Marietta Man Faces Murder, Assault Charges In Fatal Collision

MARIETTA, GA — A Marietta man has been arrested and faces eight charges, including murder, in connection with a fatal collision in August after police say he "intentionally struck" the other car.

Around 6:33 a.m. Aug. 31, 25-year-old Carese Wright of Marietta was driving with a passenger — 24-year-old Alexus Hickling of College Park — northbound on Powder Springs Street when Wright's car was "intentionally struck by another vehicle," Marietta police said, which was driven by Wright's fiancé Michael Lauray.

The collision caused Wright to lose control of the car and cross into oncoming southbound traffic in front of a Kia Optima, driven by Jodie Wasson, 42, of Austell. Wasson hit the passenger side of Wright's car, and Hickling suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash, police said.

Wright suffered critical injuries and is still receiving medical treatment, according to a Marietta Police Department spokesperson. Wasson also sustained minor injuries.

Lauray initially left the scene, but came back "a short time later" and was not injured.

"This collision/intentional striking between Wright and Lauray was a continuation of a domestic violence incident that escalated through the night and into the morning of the crash," a MPD spokesperson said.

Lauray faces six felony charges and two misdemeanor charges as follows:

• Malice murder (felony)
• Aggravated battery (felony)
• Battery - substantial physical harm (misdemeanor)
• Terroristic threats (felony)
• Reckless driving (misdemeanor)
• Aggravated assault with intent to murder (felony)
• Hit-and-run (felony)
• False statements (felony)

Lauray was booked into the Cobb County jail Wednesday and is being held without bond.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 770-794-5352.