Perry Man Faces Vehicular Homicide and DUI Charges in Teen’s Death

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The driver in an April drag racing crash that left one teenager dead in Houston County, is now charged with vehicular homicide.

Houston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division Capt. Tommy Jackson says 44-year-old Danny Ray Wheeler turned himself into the detention center Wednesday.

Wheeler has also been charged with DUI along with other traffic violations.

Capt. Jackson said Wheeler was drinking while drag racing and lost control of his car plowing into a tree, killing 17-year-old Colten Winkler.

The incident happened on April 21, along Duke Road in Perry.

Deputies said Wheeler was driving more than 100 mph in a 45 mph zone, when he crashed a 2010 Ford Mustang GT into a tree killing his front seat passenger, Winkler.

“Drag racing is a problem within our county,” says Capt. Jackson. “What we try to get out to kids and adults is that once you get out there and you are in a high rate of speed, there are several things that can happen to a vehicle [while speeding.] For instance what happened when Wheeler was racing.”

The Captain added the severe consequences of drinking while driving and drag racing, such as having a fatal collision, will stay with the person responsible for the accident for a life time.

One of Wheeler’s legs was amputated after the accident.

He is facing first degree vehicular homicide, DUI, furnishing alcohol to minors, failure to maintain a lane, no seat belt, reckless driving, driving too fast for conditions and racing.

According to the police report, a third passenger in his car Michael Spence, told deputies he only remembers the car running off the road that night.

Spence’s shoulder was injured in the accident.

Capt. Jackson said Wheeler had a prom/graduation party at his home the night of the crash. Deputies took note of opened beer cans found near the crash scene and at the home.

Wheeler was drag racing with a Firebird Phoenix Pontiac driven by Coty Robinson.

A witness told deputies it was Wheeler’s idea to drag race after the party.

Capt. Jackson said the fatal accident investigation is “on-going.” .