Indianola, MS- Christopher Marshall, 27 yoa, was convicted of three (3) counts of Aggravated DUI in Sunflower County Circuit Court following his guilty pleas on Monday, of this week.
Around 8:45 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2018, first responders of Sunflower County responded to a two-vehicle crash site at the intersection of Highway 82 and Heathman Road, where a Toyota Tacoma, driven by Marshall, failed to yield, ran a stop sign, and struck a Toyota Highlander, driven by Toni Miller. First Responders arrived on scene where they found Toni Miller frantically trying to resuscitate her four (4) year old son Trentley Miller, and six (6) year old Adalynn Miller suffering from life-threatening injuries. Adalynn Miller was able to receive immediate medical assistance by being airlifted for emergency medical treatment. Adalynn and Toni Miller survived, four (4) year old Trentley Miller died as a result of the crash.
Troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded and a motor vehicle collision investigation was initiated. Marshall was treated for his injuries and the investigation uncovered that his BAC was at least .206% at the time of the crash. He was later indicted for three (3) counts of Aggravated DUI.
Marshall appeared in Circuit Court of Sunflower County before the Honorable Judge Richard Smith on Monday where he entered his pleas of guilty to all three counts. Before sentencing the victims’ father, Brandon Miller, was able to address the court and express his sincere heartache of losing his son and losing any chance of teaching him how to fish or hunt or just enjoy his presence. Marshall was sentenced to twenty (20) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with eight (8) of those years to serve, and the remaining twelve (12) years suspended so long as he successfully complies with the requirements of his five (5) years of supervised probation following his release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Takiyah Perkins who notates the difficult nature in these cases. “Cases where a death has occurred are always tragic on both sides. Here, a four (4) year old died as a result of an egregious irresponsible decision to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. The painstaking loss of a child so young is devasting and heartbreaking, not only for his family, but our community. And although his death was not the result of an intentional malicious act, justice requires accountability. Our office was proud to advocate on behalf of the victims and their families.”
The Office of the District Attorney is thankful for the trust and patience of the victims’ families, the investigative efforts of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the swift response by the Sunflower County First Responders and Coroner Heather Burton. DA Richardson adds, “these unsung heroes in our community deserve our appreciation and thanks for their service and support.”
Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105