Six months have passed since a young woman’s life was extinguished on a Louisiana highway, and the man accused of causing her death remains at large. The search for Manmeet Singh, 30, intensifies as the pain for the Saidu family deepens with each passing day.
The tragedy unfolded in September on Interstate 10 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Patricia Saidu, just 21 years old and brimming with ambition, was struck head-on by a vehicle traveling the wrong way. Her car became a fiery tomb, offering no escape.
Patricia’s dreams of becoming a pediatrician, of following in the footsteps of her parents – both doctors who immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone – were instantly consumed by flames. Her father, Dr. Patrick Saidu, remembers her unwavering dedication to medicine, a future stolen too soon.
Manmeet Singh, the driver responsible for the collision, was found to have a blood alcohol level of .21% – more than twice the legal limit. He sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, but vanished before authorities could secure his arrest.
Initial attempts to apprehend Singh were thwarted by his medical condition. Both ICE agents and Louisiana police determined he was too injured to be moved. But in the days that followed, he disappeared, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a devastated family.
A felony warrant has been issued, charging Singh with vehicular homicide, reckless operation, and driving in the wrong direction. He is now wanted by Louisiana State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals Service New Orleans Task Force.
Investigators believe Singh, who previously worked as a ride-share driver in New Orleans and resided in Ponchatoula, may have fled the state. He left behind a wife and a young child, adding another layer of complexity to this heartbreaking case.
“We are in the sixth month since this accident took place. Patricia was taken from us in a very tragic manner,” Dr. Saidu expressed to local news. His wife, Martha Saidu, pleaded for justice, stating their daughter deserved a better fate.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to Singh’s arrest, hoping to bring closure to the Saidu family and ensure he faces the consequences of his actions. The search continues, fueled by grief and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair emphasized the far-reaching impact of Singh’s actions, noting the devastation inflicted not only on the Saidu family but also on his own. The weight of his choices has created a ripple effect of pain and loss.
