The woman who killed a beloved Mississippi teacher while driving drunk has been sentenced to 23 years behind bars.
On Monday, Jordan Leah Sullivan received her sentence, which was two years shy of the maximum for aggravated DUI. The sentencing was held in the Madison County Circuit Court and delivered by Judge Dewey Arthur.
Sullivan, 33, of Louisville, was under the influence when driving on the wrong side of Interstate 55 in Gluckstadt on June 22, 2024. Police from the scene said Sullivan crashed into another vehicle, killing Canton teacher Tyra Small-Jackson, 48. Small-Jackson was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The victim’s father and infant child were also in the car but did not suffer any injuries. Officers immediately suspected Sullivan of driving under the influence and located multiple bottles of Fireball whiskey inside the vehicle after smelling alcohol on the culprit’s breath.
At the time of the wreck, Sullivan’s blood alcohol content was .241 – more than tripling the state’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration while driving.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement located a liquor store Sullivan had visited on the morning of the crash and obtained a copy of a receipt showing she had purchased 20 mini bottles of liquor hours before. Police also discovered text messages where Sullivan admitted to drinking prior to the wreck.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Mrs. Small-Jackson,” District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said upon Sullivan’s sentencing date being announced. “There is no amount of time the defendant can serve that will bring back this innocent woman who was a beloved daughter, mother, and sister.”
