Police: Driver Charged in Fatal Accident Did It on Purpose

Gwinnett Police say they believe Jacob Nicholson intentionally crashed his car into six other vehicles in a fatal accident Jan. 16.

The Gainesville man, 22, now faces one count of felony murder and 10 counts of aggravated assault, in additional to several traffic charges, according to a media alert from Gwinnett Police.

The wreck, which happened at the intersection of South Norcross Tucker Road and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, killed Cynthia Thornton of Norcross. Nicholson allegedly plowed his vehicle into cars parked at the stoplight.

Nicholson, who was ejected from his car, is still recovering in the hospital from injuries he received in the wreck.

Stephen Merritt, 42, of Tucker, suffered minor injuries. Two other drivers from Tucker were Peggy Holzgefe, 58, and Carlton Berry, 51. Neither was injured. 

According to the media alert emailed Thursday afternoon: “Investigators are still trying to determine exactly why he intentionally ran into these vehicles that caused the death of one of the drivers.”

See also:

• One Dead, One Critical in 6-Car Accident
• Driver Who Allegedly caused Fatal Car Accident Faces Charges
• Fatal Accident Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charges