Jonah Michael Poole, 19, from Maryland, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in the May 24, 2025, killing of his former boss, 67-year-old Edward Koza, at Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville. He and his girlfriend, 19-year-old Kylee Alyssa Dakes, allegedly ambushed Koza at the store, bound and duct-taped him, forced him into his car, and set it ablaze with him alive inside after buying gasoline.
Attack Details
Around 5:30 p.m., they attacked Koza, drove his car to a gas station—Poole driving in a Bass Pro Shops hat and flannel—where Dakes purchased fuel with $5 bills. They returned, parked at the store, and ignited the vehicle; firefighters found his bound body, a melted gas can, and discarded hat indicating arson.
Legal Outcomes
Poole, who briefly worked weekends at Koza’s store prior, faced robbery motives; his June trial was averted by the plea, with sentencing set for June 26. Dakes pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and remains jailed, next court date April 28.
