Beaumont Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fatal Intoxication Crash

UPDATE: A Beaumont man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a fatal intoxication crash that claimed the life of a 59-year-old man. Ray Anthony Noe, aged 37, received the sentence from Jefferson County District Judge Raquel West after pleading guilty to charges of Intoxication Manslaughter and DWI with a Child Passenger. This urgent development was confirmed by Jefferson County District Attorney Keith Giblin on March 13, 2026.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving. On December 11, 2024, at approximately 7:56 p.m., Noe’s vehicle was involved in a head-on collision on Spur 93 and Hillebrandt Road in Beaumont. Investigators from the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that Noe was driving at an alarming 87 miles per hour in a 60 miles per hour zone when he crashed into an oncoming Chevrolet pickup truck. The driver of this truck, Douglas Johnson, suffered fatal injuries, leading to his tragic death due to blunt force trauma.

Authorities revealed that Noe’s 9-year-old son was in the vehicle during the crash, unrestrained and subsequently treated for injuries. Noe exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, and his blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.149, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08.

During the sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorney Tommy L. Coleman emphasized the profound tragedy of the situation. “This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy,” Coleman stated. “Douglas Johnson got a death sentence as a result of the Defendant’s actions.” The emotional impact of this case extends beyond the courtroom, as families and communities grapple with the consequences of drunk driving.

Noe faced a potential maximum of 20 years in prison. His current 15-year sentence for Intoxication Manslaughter will run concurrently with a 24-month sentence for DWI. He will be eligible for parole once he has served half of his sentence, raising questions about justice for the victim’s family.

As this case illustrates the ongoing issue of intoxicated driving, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for tragedy on the roads. The community of Beaumont will be left to reflect on the impact of this preventable loss of life.

Stay informed as we continue to follow this developing story.