Man charged with murder after crashing his car into his fiancée’s car

Police say Michael Lauray was arrested and charged with malice murder, assault with intent to murder and other charges after he intentionally crashed his car into a vehicle being driven by his fiancée, Carese Wright, during a domestic violence incident.

Police say 31-year-old Lauray intentionally used the vehicle he was driving, a black, 2019 Chevrolet Trax, to strike a vehicle being driven by 25-year-old Wright. Wright was driving a 1994 Toyota Corolla heading north on Powder Springs Street when she was hit from the rear.

Wright’s vehicle was pushed into oncoming southbound traffic and struck by a 2013 Kia Optima driven by Jodie Wasson, of Austell. The passenger side of Wright’s Corolla was struck by the Optima. Alexus Hickling, 24, of College Park was a passenger in Wrights Corolla and was killed. Wright was critically injured but survived the crash. Police say Wright’s injuries included a laceration to her liver and a brain bleed as she continues to receive medical treatment.

Police said Lauray initially left the scene of the crash but returned a short time later, uninjured. A warrant also shows he initially gave police false information about what happened.

Lauray is charged with six felonies, including malice murder, aggravated assault with intent to murder, aggravated battery, hit and run, terroristic threats and false statements, according to Marietta Police. He also faces misdemeanors of battery with substantial physical harm and reckless driving.

According to a news release from the Marietta Police, the intentional crash caused by Lauray was a continuation of “a domestic violence incident” between him and Wright that escalated through the night and into the morning of the crash.”

A warrant for Lauray’s arrest shows he verbally threatened Wright’s life, as well as over text messages.

Lauray is being held at the Cobb County jail without bond.

This crash is under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Nicholas St. Onge at 770-794-5352.