Investigators of the Florida Highway Patrol says it has concluded
the traffic homicide investigation of a traffic crash that occurred on July 02, 2008. The crash occurred in Holmes County, Florida on State Road 79 at the intersection of State Road 2, approximately 0.3 miles south of Esto.

At the time of the crash, Gary Wayne Cobia of Bonifay, Florida, was driving westbound on State Road 2 in a 2004 Chevrolet, Scottsdale pickup truck. Elisabeth L. Stone of Westville, Florida was northbound on State Road 79 driving a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu passenger vehicle. Cobia failed to stop for the stop sign. Cobia’s vehicle collided with the right side of the northbound Malibu.

The collision resulted in serious injuries to Elisabeth Stone and her 8 year old son Alex, who was seated in the left rear of her vehicle. The crash also caused the death of her 68 year old mother, Annie L. Drake, who was seated in the right front of the Malibu.

The investigation revealed Cobia neglectfully failed to maintain his vehicles brake system. On the day of the crash, Cobia drove the truck on the highway with brakes that were not properly operational and caused the traffic crash.

Based on the Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation, the 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office issued warrants for Gary Cobia’s arrest. He was charged with one count of Vehicular Homicide and two counts of reckless driving resulting in injuries.

On April 18, 2009, at 1:00 a.m., Gary Cobia surrendered to the Florida Highway Patrol and was booked into the Holmes County jail.