ATLANTA MAN GUILTY OF VEHICULAR HOMICIDE

Drunken Driver Kills Passenger, Puts Driver in Coma—Sentenced to 15 years

Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction by guilty plea of Michael McGhee. The 34-year-old Atlanta resident pled guilty to vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle and driving under the influence charges on Tuesday, April 10th. Superior Court Judge Constance Russell sentenced the defendant to 15 years to serve in custody.

The tragedy took place on February 4, 2006 near the 2600 block of Campbellton Road in Atlanta. The defendant crossed the double yellow line and struck a vehicle driven by Edward Woods, Jr. head on. Lateshia Coats, a passenger in Woods’ car, died of her injuries that evening. Mr. Woods—who is 38-years-old—has been in a coma since the collision. Tests showed the defendant’s blood alcohol level was .242—three times the legal limit!

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ron Boyter. The investigation was jointly conducted by SPO C. E. Wolcott and Officer T. S. Keller of the Atlanta Police Department and Investigator Tina Fleming of the Fulton DA’s Office.

Contact: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us