Austell man accused of DUI and vehicular homicide

An Austell man, Jessie Peewee Whright, is facing serious charges after causing a collision under the influence of alcohol that resulted in the death of his passenger. The incident occurred on January 10 at 12:30 a.m. when Whright was allegedly driving a 2017 Dodge Charger at 81 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone.

According to reports, Whright went off the roadway at the intersection of Mars Hill Road and Breckinridge Drive NW in Powder Springs. The vehicle went airborne and struck a large tree, resulting in the death of his passenger, identified as Leondre Liddell.

Per his arrest warrant, Whright admitted to responding officers that he had consumed two cups of tequila, three shots of liquor, and had smoked marijuana prior to the collision. Consequently, he is facing several charges including homicide by vehicle – first degree, DUI – less safe alcohol, driving – failure to maintain lane, driving on the wrong side of the road, driving without a valid license, driving – speeding, and reckless driving.

The arrest warrant notes that Whright was taken into custody, and bond would be later.