Teens set business owner's car on fire with him inside: Cops
Share this @internewscast.com

Pictured from left to right: Jonah Michael Poole, Edward Koza, and Kylee Alyssa Dakes (Anne Arundel Police Department). In the background: The Tropic Bay Water Gardens parking lot in Maryland, where police report that Poole and Dakes set fire to Koza’s car with him inside (WBAL).

In Maryland, two 18-year-olds face potential life sentences after they allegedly assaulted a garden shop owner, tied him up in his car, and set the vehicle ablaze while he remained inside.

Jonah Michael Poole and Kylee Alyssa Dakes have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and arson for the death of 67-year-old Edward Stephen Koza, as per the Anne Arundel County Police.

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

Cops and fire personnel responded around 9:25 p.m. on May 24 to a vehicle fire outside the Tropic Bay Water Gardens business in Davidsonville, which is just outside Annapolis. After crews extinguished the fire, they found Koza’s body tied up and with duct tape covering his mouth, police said. Authorities could smell gasoline with a melted container nearby and determined that the suspects intentionally set the fire.

Local Washington, D.C., Fox affiliate WTTG and CBS affiliate WUSA obtained criminal complaints that show how cops put the case together and identified the teen couple as suspects. Cops reportedly believe Koza was alone in the store around 5:30 p.m. on the day in question when Poole and Dakes attacked him.

After a struggle, Poole and Dakes allegedly tied up the victim and stuffed him in his car. The suspects then drove around with Koza in the car and eventually made their way to a gas station around 9 p.m., police said. Surveillance video reportedly showed a woman getting out of the passenger seat of Koza’s car and entering the gas station. The driver wore a Bass Pro Shops hat and a flannel shirt. The woman slipped the clerk two $5 bills, which authorities believe were for the gasoline used to fuel the deadly fire.

More from Law&Crime: Man doused his child’s mom in gasoline and set her ablaze in fire attack, causing ‘severe burns’ that led to multiple surgeries, cops say

The suspects drove back to Koza’s business and allegedly lit the car on fire with Koza still inside. Authorities reportedly found a Bass Pro Shops hat next to the burned vehicle. Authorities used surveillance video from the Bass Pro Shops store to identify Poole and Dakes as suspects from earlier in the day, when Poole bought the ubiquitous hat and flannel shirt, the affidavit reportedly said.

Baltimore Fox affiliate WBFF obtained charging documents that show cops believe the motive for the crime is robbery. Poole worked as an employee at Koza’s store for about two weekends last year, the documents reportedly said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Shocking Scandal: Sydney Lawyer Accused of Embezzling $15 Million from Trusting Clients

A Sydney solicitor has been charged after allegedly stealing almost $15 million…

Tragic 2023 Accident: Melrose Man Faces Negligent Homicide Charges in Starke Woman’s Death

Staff Report MELROSE, Fla. – In a tragic turn of events, Brandon…

Court Deems Man Fit for Trial Following Self-Inflicted Injuries

Background: The Bulloch County Jail building in Statesboro, Ga. (Google Maps). Insets…

Shocking Footage: Mother Uncovers Disturbing Abuse as Boyfriend Caught on Camera Assaulting Toddler

In Arizona, authorities apprehended a 25-year-old man this week, charging him with…

Equity Firm CEO Charged for Assaulting Teen Over In-N-Out Water Splash Incident

Inset: Lucas Kalisher (Larimer County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Cellphone video showing Lucas…

Shocking Abuse Uncovered: Daycare Workers Caught on Camera Assaulting Preschoolers

Inset, left to right: Jessica Murillo and Izabella Thompson (Des Plaines Police…

Tragic Case: Parents Face Domestic Violence Manslaughter Charges in Death of Three-Year-Old Son

The parents of a three-year-old boy who died in the foyer of…

Uber Eats Driver Tragically Killed in Carjacking Incident After Completing Final Delivery, Authorities Report

Share An Illinois man, diligently working two jobs to provide for his…

Daycare Worker Accused of Child Abuse, Including Tape Over Toddler’s Eyes, to Enter Plea: District Attorney

Inset: Katelyn Strohacker (Licking County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Over the Rainbow…

Greg Lynn, Accused of Murder, Seeks Release

Accused murderer Greg Lynn is not an unacceptable risk to the community,…

Tragic Incident: 11-Year-Old Struck by Drunk Driver While Playing Outside as Devastated Father Watches Helplessly

Inset: DUI victim Roxanne Bonnoni (GoFundMe). Background: The Boots Bar in Brackenridge,…

Family Members Face Serious Charges in Disturbing Child Abuse Case

In Pennsylvania, law enforcement has apprehended three family members following a two-year…