Vicksburg man sentenced in the fatal crash that killed two people

Vicksburg, Miss.-A Vicksburg man was sentenced on Monday for killing two people in a fatal crash. Judge James Chaney sentenced 32-year-old Baron Meeks to 25 years with 15 years to serve.

Meeks pled guilty to two counts of Aggravated DUI last week. It was determined that Meeks’ blood alcohol level was at .316% at the time of the crash, which is almost four times the limit of 0.08% BAC.

Back in July 2023, 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. Meeks was traveling in the Northbound Lane before swerving into the Southbound Lane where he hit Harris’ vehicle head-on. 

Family members also testified that Meeks has been very remorseful since the accident, claiming that he has cried many nights due to what happened.

Meeks also made a statement at the sentencing.

“I’m extremely sorry for the act that happened that day,” Meeks said. “I want to apologize to the family first and I’m deeply sorry and I wish I could go back to that day and do things differently. I’ve completed a program and I’ve got a stronger relationship with the Lord.”

When asked about the fatal crash, Meeks testified that he was drinking the night before and mentioned that he had a beer that morning. 

District Attorney Ricky Smith went on to state that the hearing was more than about Meeks, and the victim’s families should be considered in this.

“I had sympathy for him until the mentioned only having one beer,” Smith said. “He still hasn’t fully accepted his role in this and Mr. Harris and Mr. Williams still had a lot of life left in them.”

Meeks will be eligible for parole after serving half of the 15-year sentence.