Trial begins for man accused of driving under the influence in fatal hit-and-run in Cobb County

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Jerome Cox’s trial featured a 12-person Cobb County jury. Man charged with death in December 2023 Honors 17-year-old student Olivia Pugh.

Prosecutors allege Cox, who was 68 at the time of the incident, was returning home from a Christmas party when he drove his SUV into a crosswalk on Ben King Road, hitting the Harrison High School student.

Police allege Cox was under the influence of alcohol when his vehicle hit Pugh, who died two days later at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

During opening statements, the state received a 911 call from a friend of the victim who was with him at the scene.

Cox’s legal team told jurors that the prosecution wanted them to be drawn to the emotion of the call, not the facts. The team maintained Cox’s innocence.

Superior Court Judge Kimberly Childs is presiding over the case. He said the hearing is expected to last at least a week.

The prosecution will present its first witness on Wednesday.