‘Habitual Traffic Violator’ Charged with DUI Manslaughter

A 29-year-old North Tampa man faces a number of charges related to an April crash on Nebraska Avenue that resulted in the death of a Brooksville woman.

The Florida Highway Patrol says Jamie Marquios Coffey, 29, formerly of New Tampa, was traveling northbound in an outside lane of Nebraska Avenue near Fletcher Avenue around 11:44 p.m. April 28 when the crash occurred. As Coffey approached the signal, the light turned red.

At this time, a vehicle driven by David Ashwood, 30, of Tampa was traveling west on Fletcher and entered the intersection on a green light. Coffey’s 2006 Dodge Magnum hit the left side of Ashwood’s Jaguar, a highway patrol media release said.

Coffey and his passenger, Christina Stoddard, were not wearing seat belts, the release said. Coffey suffered serious injuries in the crash. Stoddard died April 30 from her injuries.

Ashwood had minor injuries.

Following its investigation, the highway patrol charged Coffey with such offenses as DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI property damage and DUI bodily injury, according to jail records. He was also charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and is described as a “habitual traffic violator” by authorities.

“His (blood alcohol level) following the crash was determined to be 0.188,” wrote Sgt. Steve Gaskins in an email to media.

Coffey of 14597 Seaford Circle, No. 205 was booked into the Hillsborough County jail June 20 and was being held without bond.