Gulfport man handed maximum sentence for shooting Uber driver

A Gulfport man will spend a maximum sentence of two decades behind bars for shooting an Uber driver.

Harrison County District Attorney W. Crosby Parker announced that 19-year-old Trinyell Marshun Coats, Jr. pled guilty on Monday to aggravated assault for the January 2023 incident.

Law enforcement began investigating the incident when the unidentified victim drove herself to the Rouse’s grocery store parking lot after being shot. The Gulfport Police Department and the Gulfport Fire Department immediately responded to the scene and quickly determined the shooting occurred near Tennessee Street and Chicago Avenue. The victim was transported to the hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds.

According to authorities, the victim picked up Coats, who was 17 years old at the time. Coats had used another person’s information to schedule a ride. At a stop sign near the perpetrator’s destination, the victim stopped to let Coats out of the vehicle. Coats exited the vehicle and fired a gun one time back into the vehicle, striking the victim in her face. The victim was able to evade the scene alive.

At a court hearing, the victim explained how “a quick move of her head saved her life but scarred her physical appearance and left her with extreme anxiety.” Coats apologized to the victim and told the court that “not a day goes by that he doesn’t think about what happened.” Coats asked for the victim’s forgiveness for what he had done.

During the hearing, Judge Randi Mueller told Coats that while it is fortunate that the victim survived, “senseless violence is wreaking havoc on the community.” A motive has not been released for the shooting.

“Once again, we face the tragic consequences of violence committed by a minor. The Court’s decision to impose the maximum sentence underscores the gravity of the situation and ensures there is punishment,” District Attorney Parker said.

“However, it is crucial to recognize that preventing such acts requires vigilance and being proactive. If you know your child has access to a weapon, take immediate action. We will continue to hold violent offenders accountable regardless of age, but we must stay vigilant and engaged in a child’s life to help prevent these devastating events.”

Coats will spend the full duration of his sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.