The Gazebo Gazette
GULFPORT (GG) — An 18 year-old Trinyell Marshun Coats Jr., of Gulfport, Miss. pled guilty yesterday to aggravated assault for the January 2023 shooting of an Uber driver. After accepting the plea, Circuit Court Judge Randi Mueller sentenced Coats to the maximum sentence of 20 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The aggravated assault conviction resulted from an investigation which ensued on January 20, 2023, when the victim, an Uber driver, drove herself to the Rouse’s parking lot after being shot. Gulfport Police Department and the Gulfport Fire Department immediately responded and quickly determined the shooting occurred near Tennessee Street and Chicago Avenue in Gulfport.
The victim was transported to an out-of-state hospital to be treated for her wounds. The investigation showed that the victim picked up Coats, then 17 years old, who used another person’s information to schedule a ride. At a stop sign near Coats’ destination, the victim stopped to let Coats out of the vehicle. Coats exited the vehicle and fired a gun one time back into the vehicle, striking the victim in her face.
The victim was able to drive herself to the Rouse’s parking lot.
“Using information on the victim’s Uber app, law enforcement was able to track down Coats that same evening, who ultimately admitted to shooting the victim. Officers from the Gulfport Police Department located the weapon which had been discarded shortly after the shooting,” said Assistant District Attorney Patti Simpson, who prosecuted the case.
At the hearing, the victim explained to the Court how “a quick move of her head saved her life but scarred her physical appearance and left her with extreme anxiety.” Coats apologized to the victim and told the Court that “not a day goes by that he doesn’t think about what happened.”
Coats asked for the victim’s forgiveness “for his cruel act.” During the hearing, Judge Mueller told Coats that while it is fortunate that the victim survived, “senseless violence is wreaking havoc on the community.”
Acknowledging that the victim will be living with the repercussions of his act for the rest of her life, Judge Mueller sentenced Coats to the maximum sentence of twenty years.
“Once again, we face the tragic consequences of violence committed by a minor. The Court’s decision to impose the maximum sentence underscores the gravity of the situation and ensures there is punishment. However, it is crucial to recognize that preventing such acts requires vigilance and being proactive. If you know your child has access to a weapon, take immediate action. We will continue to hold violent offenders accountable regardless of age, but we must stay vigilant and engaged in a child’s life to help prevent these devastating events,” said District Attorney W. Crosby Parker.
