Beaumont Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

Judge Raquel West handed down the sentence after Noe pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and DWI with child passenger.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Ray Anthony Noe, 37, of Beaumont, Texas, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed 59-year-old Douglas Johnson in December 2024. Noe pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger. Investigators found that Noe was driving 87 mph in a 60 mph zone, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.149, and his 9-year-old son was unrestrained in the vehicle at the time of the fatal crash.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of drunk driving and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk. The sentencing also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in holding repeat offenders accountable and providing adequate deterrence.

The details

On December 11, 2024, Noe was involved in a head-on collision near Spur 93 and Hillebrandt Road in Beaumont. His truck struck an oncoming Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Douglas Johnson, 59, who was killed in the crash. Noe's 9-year-old son, who was unrestrained in Noe's vehicle, suffered a scalp contusion. Investigators found that Noe showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. A blood test revealed Noe's blood alcohol concentration was 0.149, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

  • On December 11, 2024, the fatal crash occurred.
  • On Monday, Noe was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Judge Raquel West.

The players

Ray Anthony Noe

A 37-year-old Beaumont resident who pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger.

Douglas Johnson

A 59-year-old man who was killed in the head-on collision with Noe's truck.

Judge Raquel West

The Jefferson County judge who sentenced Noe to 15 years in prison.

Keith Giblin

The Criminal District Attorney whose office provided details about the case.

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What they’re saying

“This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy. Douglas Johnson got a death sentence as a result of the Defendant's actions and after the Defendant has served his prison sentence, in all likelihood, he will be able to pursue the things that give meaning to his life while Douglas Johnson will never get to do those things.”

— Coleman (beaumontenterprise.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Noe out on bail during the appeals process.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of drunk driving and the need for stronger deterrents and enforcement to prevent such senseless tragedies. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hold repeat offenders accountable and provide adequate punishment to deter future drunk driving incidents.