53 Years in Prison for Felony Murder, LIVINGSTON, November 16, 2023 - Seth Jacob Marceaux was convicted by a jury on Thursday, November 9, 2023 for the May 7, 2022 death of Rance Ezra Cole. The jury found that Marceaux was intoxicated while he drove his vehicle south on Highway 146 here in Polk County, Texas. Marceaux crossed into Cole's lane of traffic causing a head-on collision. The jury also found Marceaux had two prior convictions for Driving While Intoxicated. A third DWI is a felony. Since Marceaux was committing the felony DWI at the time he committed an act clearly dangerous to human life (the collision) he was guilty of Felony Murder. The jury assessed punishment at 53 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Kari Allen, the prosecutor who handled the case, would like to give special thanks to Texas Department of Public Safety, Sgt Allen Stanton. Sgt Stanton was instrumental in proving that Marceaux crossed into Cole's lane of traffic. She would also like to thank Leon Middleton. As a detective with LPD, Leon investigated the case and recovered the video evidence that helped prove the case. As an investigator with the DA's Office, Leon worked tirelessly in preparation for trial. Further, LPD Officer Chris Simmons investigated the wreck and was able to provide evidence of intoxication. Shelly Sitton, your elected District Attorney, would like to thank all the citizens of Polk County who answered their summons for jury duty on November 6, 2023. Particularly, she would thank the members of the jury for their diligence in listening to the evidence, following the law and rendering a verdict. Justice was served.
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