Walter Andrew Brister IV, the 21-year-old son of former NFL quarterback Walter Andrew “Bubby” Brister III, has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run that occurred near LSU over the weekend, according to reports. Brister IV is accused of fatally hitting pedestrian Jude Jarreau, 44, in a black Range Rover last Saturday and fleeing the scene. He surrendered to Baton Rouge police on Wednesday.
Brister IV is being represented by high-profile Baton Rouge defense attorney John McLindon. McLindon called investigators Sunday morning to admit that his client was the person they were looking for.
“I was on the phone with (District Attorney) Hillar Moore Sunday,” McLindon said. “I said we’re not running, we’re not hiding, we want to self-surrender. He put me in touch with BRPD.”
We don’t know the details of what exactly happened, but McLindon’s comment about “not running” rings very hollow. That’s exactly what his client did. He hit a man with his vehicle and didn’t call 911 or wait for medical help to arrive.
The incident occurred on Saturday, he didn’t surrender until Wednesday. McLindon worked with the police on Wednesday as it was “best day for everyone.”
This reeks of privilege and self-preservation.
Brister IV, presumably knowing he hit something, didn’t stop to see what it was or what happened. He left the scene. In the three days before surrendering he managed to retain the services of a high-profile defense attorney. Why?
Upon turning himself in Brister IV said he “knew he struck something but did not stop to render aid or contact police.” His SUV has also been surrendered to the authorities for processing.
It would’ve been interesting how this would have unfolded had Brister IV called police and remained at the scene. What else might the police have discovered? We’ll likely never know.
Brister IV was charged with felony hit and run. According to Louisiana law La. R.S. 14:100, if convicted he could face up to 10 years in prison and be fined up to $5,000.
Jarreau was father to daughters Grace and Presley, and was a superintendent at electrical contractor MMR, where he was respected and loved by many, according to an obituary. Funeral services took place on Thursday in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
Brister IV, also a quarterback, committed to the University of Northern Colorado in 2020, but announced last December that he was leaving the team. He entered the transfer portal and joined Louisiana Tech entering the 2022 football season. However, he is not currently listed on the roster on the team’s website.
Brister IV’s father is a two-time Super Bowl champion, who was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1986. He later bounced around the league, playing for several clubs including the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1992 the Steelers finished 11-5 and Brister III led the team to two regular-season wins, including a win over the Cleveland Browns that secured home field advantage in the playoffs. He won his Super Bowls as a backup with the Broncos in 1997 and 1998.
Stay tuned to this developing story. It will be curious to see if Brister IV even goes to trial or if some plea deal is worked out.
