Dukes Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to 12 Years for DUI Manslaughters

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Thomas Dukes Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter for causing the deaths of Blair and Misty Wilson. Per the negotiated plea, the Honorable Tatiana Salvador sentenced 74-year-old Dukes to 12 years in Florida State Prison followed by 10 years of probation and permanent revocation of his driver’s license.

Around 9:15 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, Dukes failed to stop for stopped traffic at the intersection of Southside and Beach Boulevard. He collided with the Wilsons who were on a motorcycle and were stopped at the light. Dukes’ impact into the motorcycle caused the Wilsons to hit the car in front of them. First responders took the Wilsons to a nearby hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Dukes showed noticeable signs of impairment on scene; Jacksonville Fire and Rescue drew his blood to test for drugs and alcohol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory results confirmed Dukes’ blood alcohol level was 0.194 and cannabis was also in his system.

The case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney John Kalinowski.