Vicksburg man pleads guilty in Fatal Crash that killed two people

VICKSBURG, Miss. – A Vicksburg man pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated DUI from a fatal July 2023 incident that occurred in Warren County. Baron Meeks is accused of driving under the influence when he was involved in a crash that claimed the lives of two people. 

Meeks stood before Judge James Chaney and pleaded guilty as he is being represented by Attorney Tracey Herring.

48-year-old Jeffery Dewayne Harris and 55-year-old Dwayne Leroy Williams both sustained fatal injuries in the crash that happened on Halls Ferry Road. Harris died at the scene and Williams was transported to UMMC just a short time later where he died.

Deputies Joseph Stubbs and Daniel Thomas led the investigation where it was determined that Meeks was under the influence of alcohol during the collision. Meeks was driving a 2020 Toyota SUV that collided head-on with a 1997 Toyota Sedan, driven by Harris.

In court, District Attorney Ricky Smith mentioned that Meeks was traveling in the Northbound Lane before swerving into the Southbound Lane where he hit Harris’ vehicle head-on. Meeks’ blood alcohol level was at .316 which is higher than the .08 legal limit. There was also a witness who saw Meeks’ vehicle swerve into the Southbound Lane.

Smith recommended an open plea and that whatever sentence Meeks receives can run concurrently. He now faces 5-25 years in prison. He is allowed to stay out on bond until his December 10th sentencing.