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Derion Coker, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, faces two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, two counts of evading responsibility resulting in death or serious injury, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Connecticut State Police said Tuesday, June 6.
Coker is accused of killing Jamie Krajewski, age 33, and her 17-year-old son Tyshon Ozzie Harper in New London County as they were on the side of I-395 in Montville.
Police say Coker crossed the white line and hit the pair just before 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2022.
Two people who'd stopped to help them were also injured in the crash.
Coker told police he saw the people just before he hit them but couldn't stop in time. He didn't know how or why he'd crossed the white line on the highway.
Coker remained at the scene and told investigators was driving home after spending the evening at the Daniel Tosh comedy show at the Mohegan Sun. He admitted to officers to having two beers, but surveillance video showed he'd had five drinks — two beers and three liquor drinks, his arrest warrant said.
Though, responding officers did not detect the smell of alcohol on his breath or notice him slurring his words.
Video of him leaving the casino's parking lot showed Coker's Volkswagen Passat making an "exaggerated, jerky right turn," the warrant continues.
Coker turned himself in to police and posted a $200,000 bond, authorities said. He will return to court next week.
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