Man Sentenced to Maximum 17 Years for DUI Crash That Killed Macon Woman

Stephen James Taffe has been sentenced to the maximum 17 years in prison for a DUI crash that killed Angelina Brittany Fuller of Macon during Memorial Day weekend 2023.

Taffe pleaded guilty to First Degree Vehicular Homicide, DUI, Driving While License Suspended, Following Too Closely, and Open Container. He struck Fuller’s vehicle from behind, resulting in her death. Taffe’s blood alcohol level was 0.284, more than three times the legal limit.

Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing revealed that Taffe’s vehicle had an ignition interlock device, installed due to a prior DUI conviction, which had been tampered with. This allowed him to drive while intoxicated.

The court also heard a 911 call from a concerned citizen who reported Taffe driving erratically, as well as recorded jail calls where Taffe showed a lack of remorse. Friends and family members of Angelina Fuller testified about the devastating impact of her death.

The court accepted the State’s sentencing recommendation of 17 years, the maximum allowed by law.

District Attorney Randy McGinley stated, “When someone drives under the influence, it turns their car into a weapon that can kill. Any loss of life due to a DUI driver is unacceptable and tragic, but this case is especially egregious. Not only did Taffe have a history of DUIs and he was extremely intoxicated, but he also took steps to bypass a device installed in his car that was designed to stop him from driving if he had alcohol in his system. Nothing will undo the loss Ms. Fuller’s family suffered. But I hope this sentence can send a message to every driver out there that driving under the influence is unacceptable.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Madison Caito, Investigator Josh Shumate, Senior Victim Advocate Shay Payne, Trial Assistant Ellen Bales, and Legal Assistant Lila Geiger. The Georgia State Patrol, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, GBI Crime Lab, and the DA’s Office conducted the investigation.