On April 24, 2023, John David Cole, 49, of Biloxi, Mississippi was convicted of Felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Mississippi, before Judge Keith Miller.
On April 24, 2023, John David Cole, 49, of Biloxi, Mississippi was convicted of Felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Mississippi, before Judge Keith Miller.
Cole struck pedestrian Douglas Couey of Jacksonville, Florida, with his vehicle while driving northbound on Highway 609, south of Interstate 10, Exit 50. Cole immediately fled after striking Couey, who died at the scene.
Judge Keith Miller sentenced Cole to the maximum term of imprisonment-- twenty (20) years—in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Cole will serve fifteen (15) years with five (5) years on post-release supervision.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated, “Yesterday marked the beginning of National Crime Victims’ Rights week. Today, over twenty family members of Mr. Couey stood strongly at the sentencing of Defendant Cole. This is a powerful reminder of the wide-reaching effects of crime and underscores why my office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and families. When his family rests this evening, they can do so knowing our office was fully committed to convicting the person responsible for the death of their loved one.
Assistant District Attorney Bill Barrett stated, “The family of Mr. Couey remains heartbroken by his death. It is my hope that today’s sentence will give them some measure of closure to this tragedy. I would like to thank the family for their trust and confidence in our office during the prosecution of this case.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Bill Barrett.