Man sentenced to serve 20 years for Biloxi DUI causing death

Biloxi, Mississippi – Thirty-seven-year-old Michael Blaise Leggett, Jr., of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was sentenced today to 25 years, 5 years suspended, leaving 20 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Leggett will be on post-release supervision for the remaining 5 years. Leggett had entered a guilty plea on October 13, 2021, in front of Judge Mueller to DUI Causing the Death of William Gryder V.

The case began when Biloxi police officers responded to the eastbound side of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge on November 24, 2020, at approximately 7:50 P.M. after receiving calls of a collision. Leggett was the driver of a car that struck a motorcycle driven by Gryder.

A witness told officers that Leggett was seen driving recklessly on Highway 90 between Rodenburg and Porter Avenue and stopped next to the witness at the light in front of the bridge. While Leggett was stopped, Gryder turned onto Highway 90 headed toward Ocean Springs.

Once the light turned green, Leggett sped away and struck the wall of the bridge before rounding the curve and going out of the witness’ sight. A moment later, the witness saw debris scattered about as a result of Leggett colliding with Gryder.

Leggett attempted to exit the car and run away on foot, but was detained by other motorists until police arrived. Leggett showed obvious signs of intoxication and was taken into custody.

Leggett was subsequently taken to the hospital where a blood draw was conducted which showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .221, almost three times the legal limit.

“The investigation also revealed that Leggett was driving 124 MPH at the time of impact and did not apply his brakes before striking Gryder’s motorcycle,” said Assistant District Attorney George Huffman who prosecuted the case. Judge Mueller heard from Leggett and members of the victim’s family prior to imposing sentence.

She pointed out the great loss that occurred as a result of Leggett’s senseless actions on November 24, 2020. Judge Mueller noted that she was taking into consideration Leggett’s extreme intoxication and reckless driving in determining an appropriate sentence. “We thank law enforcement and the good-Samaritan citizens who stepped in to ensure this defendant’s apprehension and ultimate conviction. I hope this conviction and sentence will in some way assist Mr. Gryder’s grieving family as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” said DA Parker.