COOK COUNTY, Ga. — The parents of a U.S. Navy Petty Officer who was killed in a Cook County crash are speaking out, calling for changes to Georgia’s DUI laws after what they describe as months of delay before an arrest was made.

According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the crash happened on Sept. 1, 2024, along Interstate 75 in Cook County.

Investigators say Andrew Williams was driving a Chevrolet Corvette northbound when his vehicle struck another car from behind. Parents were told his vehicle was going over 120 mph, causing the car to explode. The crash resulted in one fatality. The victim was Janell Mitchell, U.S. Navy Petty Officer.

Williams survived the crash and was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to the crash report.

Despite investigators determining alcohol was involved, Williams was not immediately arrested. Court records show an arrest was not made until July 25, 2025, nearly ten months after the crash.

The case is now scheduled to return to court on Feb. 4, 2026, with Judge Perryman presiding.

Parents raise concerns over delay

The victim’s parents say the delay in arrest allowed Williams to return to everyday life while they were left to grieve the loss of their daughter, Janell Mitchell.

They say after Williams was released from the hospital, he was able to return to work. According to Mitchell’s parents, Williams’ employer, DaVita, signed an affidavit allowing him to resume work duties. The parents say they learned this information through the court system who raised concerns about Williams returning to work following the crash.

WALB has reached out to DaVita for comment regarding the affidavit and employment status but has not yet received a response.

Pushing for change

Mitchell’s parents say their frustration goes beyond this case.

They said they believe Georgia’s DUI laws should be strengthened to prevent similar situations in the future especially when investigators determine impairment was involved in a fatal crash.

They say if the crash had happened in 2024, the driver was released knowing alcohol was involved, allowed to return to work, and not arrested until months later. That is a timeline they say should never happen again.

Their message, they say, is simple: “Don’t drink and drive and ensure accountability comes swiftly when lives are lost.”

The family has a foundation for Mitchell’s honor that you can donate and support.

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