The woman who killed a beloved Mississippi teacher while driving drunk will be sentenced next month.
Jordan Leah Sullivan faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated DUI. She will be sentenced by 20th Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed time, according to the district attorney for Madison and Rankin counties.
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 the 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 and smelled alcohol on her. Her blood alcohol content was .241. Numerous witnesses reported her driving the wrong way on the interstate before the fatal collision occurred.
Officers located the liquor store and obtained a copy of the receipt where Sullivan had purchased 20 mini bottles of liquor that morning and also discovered text messages where she admitted to drinking prior to the wreck.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Mrs. Small-Jackson,” DA Bubba Bramlett said. “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.
“We can only hope that this guilty plea will provide some small amount of comfort and closure as they continue to grieve. Driving drunk is the height of irresponsibility and selfishness and Mrs. Sullivan deserves every day she is sentenced to serve in prison for her actions.”
Sullivan will remain in custody as she awaits sentencing.
