A driver charged in the death of a decorated Army Ranger and ROTC instructor received a 30-day jail sentence after prosecutors reduced a felony vehicular homicide charge to a misdemeanor.
Court records obtained by The Salty Soldier show that Jadon Demani Mike was originally indicted in Effingham County Superior Court on charges of Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (less safe), and Failure to Yield Right of Way in connection with a March 7, 2024 crash that killed Master Sergeant Christopher Alan Decker, 34.
According to the indictment, Mike was driving a Nissan Altima when he turned left and failed to yield to a motorcycle operated by Decker, causing the fatal collision.
The indictment also alleged Mike was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs to the extent it was less safe for him to drive, forming the basis of the DUI charge.
Blood Evidence Challenge
Defense attorneys later attempted to suppress the results of a blood test taken during the investigation, arguing law enforcement lacked probable cause to obtain the sample when officers read Georgia’s implied consent warning.
However, in January 2026 Effingham County Superior Court Judge Ronald Thompson denied the motion, ruling the blood evidence could be admitted at trial.
Court records reviewed by The Salty Soldier, including the indictment, defense motions, and the court’s order addressing the blood evidence dispute, show the case ultimately did not proceed to trial.
Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor
On February 24, 2026, Mike entered a guilty plea to Homicide by Vehicle in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor.
Under the negotiated plea agreement:
- The felony vehicular homicide charge was reduced
- The DUI drugs charge was dismissed
- The failure to yield charge merged into the conviction
Mike was sentenced to:
- 30 days in jail
- 12 months probation
- $1,000 fine
- 100 hours of community service
- completion of a Victim Impact Panel
Second DUI Arrest While Case Was Pending
Court records from Effingham County State Court show Mike was arrested again for driving under the influence while the vehicular homicide case was still pending.
According to those records, Mike was charged with DUI – alcohol (less safe) following a September 6, 2025 arrest. He later entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 12 months probation, along with a fine, community service, and alcohol education requirements.
Decorated Army Ranger
Decker served as an Army Ranger with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield.
During his military career he deployed 11 times to combat and served in a number of leadership positions including rifleman, squad automatic gunner, team leader, squad leader, headquarters platoon sergeant, and reconnaissance platoon sergeant.
His military awards included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge, among others.
Following his time in combat, Decker served as a ROTC instructor at Georgia Southern University, helping train the next generation of Army officers.
He is survived by his daughter, Sadie.
The Salty Soldier has submitted open records requests seeking additional investigative materials related to the crash, including surveillance video reportedly capturing the collision near the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, the sheriff’s incident report referenced in court filings, and toxicology results related to the blood test discussed during the case.
Those records have not yet been released. Additional reporting will follow as they become available.
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