Wesson Man Sentenced in 2025 DUI Crash That Claimed Child’s Life

Special to Wesson News

Devin Shane Merrill (Courtesy: Lincoln County Jail)

A Wesson man has been sentenced in connection with a 2025 crash that claimed the life of a four-year-old child, bringing a difficult chapter to a close for the victim’s family and the community.

Devin Shane Merrill, 28, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026, in 14th District Circuit Court to charges of aggravated DUI causing death and DUI child endangerment. The charges stem from a crash that occurred on February 18, 2025, on Bogue Chitto Road near Pricedale Drive.

According to investigators, Merrill was driving a Ford Escape when the vehicle left the right side of the roadway just after noon and struck multiple trees. Merrill was treated at King’s Daughters Medical Center and later released. His passenger, four-year-old Lincoln Carona, was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where he died two days later from injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities later received toxicology results, and Merrill was arrested on May 17, 2025. He was formally charged with aggravated DUI causing injury or death and DUI child endangerment.

During the March 31 sentencing, the court handed down a 25-year sentence for the aggravated DUI charge, with 20 years to serve, five years suspended, and five years of post-release supervision. He also received a 25-year sentence for child endangerment, with 10 years to serve, 15 years suspended, and five years of post-release supervision. The sentences are to run consecutively, meaning Merrill will serve a total of 35 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, followed by post-release supervision. He was also ordered to pay court costs and $6,000 in fines. Merrill will serve his sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Before sentencing, Lincoln’s aunt, Lyndsay Caston, addressed the court and spoke about the life that was lost and the lasting impact on their family. She described Lincoln as a joyful child who loved Spider-Man, being silly, and spending time with people who loved him. She told the court that while the crash may not have been intentional, the decision to drive under the influence was a choice that led to the loss of a young life and forever changed their family.

A statement from Lincoln’s father, Matt Carona, was also shared with the court. In his statement, he expressed his belief that his son is in a better place but said Lincoln deserved the chance to grow up and live his life. He also shared concerns about Merrill’s behavior since the crash and the danger he believes it could pose if repeated.

Family members said that while no sentence can bring Lincoln back, they hoped the outcome of the case would reflect the seriousness of the decisions that led to the crash and the life that was lost.