The Antelope Valley Times

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Alleged DUI driver kills two in Lancaster

by •

LANCASTER – A 26-year-old man and a 23-year-old man died early Sunday morning after a suspected drunken driver crashed into their vehicle at a Lancaster intersection, according to Lt. Richard Daniels of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

The incident happened about 2:26 a.m. on Avenue J and 20th Street West in Lancaster.

The victims were traveling east on Avenue J, while the second vehicle was traveling north on 20th Street West, according to Daniels.

Both vehicles collided at the intersection, Daniels said.

“The vehicle carrying the two victims was overturned,” said Daniels. “Both victims were ejected from that vehicle and they were pronounced dead at the scene.”

Daniels said the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital.

“He was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested, and he is currently in jail,” said Daniels.

Tommie Lee Cole, 24, was arrested for Felony DUI and booked at the Lancaster Station on $100,000 bail.

Updated 2/26/12 at 11 pm: The two men who died in the early morning crash are Beau Josh Owen Fluker, 26(Black male) and Jeffrey Gilstrap, 23 (White male), according to Lt. Bale of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. Both men are from Lancaster.

** Due to a discrepancy in the Traffic Report, the name and age of the second driver was listed incorrectly in an earlier version. We have corrected the error. Many thanks to the commenters for alerting us of the error!

See related story: Family, coworkers remember men lost in alleged DUI crash.

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

108 comments for "Alleged DUI driver kills two in Lancaster"

  1. if you know tommy lee cole or are defending him at all you shouldnt even be on this forum, this should be for rememberance of Beau and Jeff, so if you are associated with him aand you are on here get off, because we dont want to hear your [removed] views, what he did was wrong period. theres no defending it, it wasnt a mistake he knew what he was doing when he got behind the wheel. so stop defending a murderer because thats what he is

    • This isn’t a memorial, it’s a news story. If you want a memorial, start a web page for the victims. The purpose of allowing comments is to encourage discussion (i.e. for people to share their [removed] views).

      I’m sure it bothers you to see people defending the person responsible for taking your friends, but the fact of the matter is that the world is not all black or white and neither is this situation. You can cause tragedy without being evil.

      I’m not saying you are wrong for being upset with Tommy, but it is not fair to be upset with those who care about him for doing what is natural, defending him as a person. I don’t think anyone is defending his actions, just the rest of the 24 years he has been alive.

  2. Often times when tragedy happens we search for kind words to say about the victims. Anyone who knew Beau, knows that you don’t have to search far to find kind words to say. Beau didn’t meet anyone that didn’t like him. He never spoke an unkind word to anyone or about anyone. I’m not saying this because he was my friend….it’s just a simple fact. If you met Beau, you’d know what I mean. His last act on this earth was to help a friend. My heart hurt so much when I heard the news. My myself and my family send out our thoughts and prayers to his Mother Leona, Brother and Sister. God Bless

  3. I would like to convey my condolences to the families of Beau and Jeff. Losing someone in this manner is inconceivable and I’m sure that it is devastating. As for Tommie, your actions speak volumes. You could have had the choice to not get in the car and cause this accident, but instead you chose to do so and that is a senseless, reckless act. Because of this, 2 young lives were lost and this can never be undone. I’m sure that Tommie will be thinking about this for the rest of this life. I’m a little bothered that he did not take a plea, he should have owned up to his actions. I just pray that some kind of peace befalls the families of Beau and Jeff, losing a loved one is not an easy task, but we must all find peace in ourselves and mourn Beau and Jeff the best way we know how to grieve and just remember that they were loved and was lucky enough to have known them in their lifetime.

  4. Curiosity got the better of me and I contacted the AV Times today. A.V.T. is a private commenter and DOES NOT represent AV Times. AV Times has NOT commented on this story. Glad to clear that up!

    • Thank you for taking the time to do that. I didnt read your post until after I responded to Gerald’s reply to me. Common sense told me that A.V.T did not represent the paper, so it’s very nice to know that my common sense has not failed me. Hats off to you.

      • If I recall, I never said I was part of the newspaper. I said I am a mandatory reporter. My name had nothing to do with that. Good day and condolences.

  5. I am appauld at some of these negative comments,My heart goes out to all families involved,Yes he was wrong to drive drunk but people need to understand he was not in a good state of mind The real maggots r his friends who didnt take his keys.I honestly feel this 24 yr old feels bad,you cant live life with hate in ur heart and I guarantee that if u ask this young man what happened he doesnt even remember

      • wtf why are you using my name? and you cant blame the friends THATS NOT FAIR. you don’t KNOW that story of what happened that night before he left i DO. and thats a bunch of BS blaming someone else. not fair. way to make us feel like crap as if we don’t already.

        • Ok did u guys take his keys or not? I know dealing with a drunk is not easy and I never said that the driver wasnt to blame I just said dnt let ur friends drive drunk and sio I have had family in that situation so I know what it feels like I just dnt walk around with hate in my heart or u will never heal

  6. A.V.T of all of the comments that I have heard here, yours is THE WORST!!! If you feel a need to report, then make an a$$ of yourself and do your thing; no need to make an announcement about it. Is your sorry a$$ tryna intimidate or instill fear in Victor?! You evil, hateful, ingrate!! To Victor, I took your statement to mean that you will make sure to attend EVERY parole hearing that Tommie has until the day one of you die, whichever comes first. For all of you that are trying to defend Tommie, your words are falling on deaf ears here, so save your efforts, energy, and words for his trial and hope that your statements AS CHARACTER WITNESSES ON HIS BEHALF is effective to save him from life in prison or death. Clearly, the mourners of Jeff and Beau are running these comments. My son works at that Walmart and when I lived there, 90% of all of my shopping was done there. Although Idk if I ever met either of these 2 young men, I believe all of the good things that I have read here and on Facebook about them, and my heart and prayers are with their families, friends, and co-workers. A.V.T? Go bury your head in the sand and leave that boy’s brother alone! Insensitive idiot!

    • Your an idiot. It’s the AV times. Got it? THEY HAVE TO REPORT THREATS!
      It has nothing to do with the poor kids that have died. They brought this story to the readers and have allowed everyone to have their say.
      Nor does it have anything to do WITH WHAT THEY WANT. And they were just letting the young man’s brother KNOW what they are required by law to do. Seems they did it as gentle as possible.
      There is a difference between justice and vengeance.
      It has to do with the LAW!

      • Lemme break this down to you…if it was A.V. TIMES, then their user ID would say that and not A.V.T. Another thing, A.V. Times is operated by more than 1 person, therefore if it REALLY was from A.V. Times, the use of first person “I” would not have been stated, nor repeated, such as in the statements “That is a threat and I’M a mandatory reporter” and “I’M sorry for your loss”. Also, professional journalists and most people with an understanding of word usage and definitions know that a threat is defined as an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage. Victor did not say anything along those lines. Anyone with knowledge of the processes of how the penal system works knows that family members can address the parole board when a convict is up for parole and attempt to prevent that
        criminal from being released, hence “make(ing) sure he never walks the streets again”. Capesh, Gerald? I know what i’m talking about…DO YOU?!?!

        • sunshine blu skis. Your annoying and start crap with everyone. Get a life, off a computer

          • Even though I could care less about your opinion of me, Peter, I cant help but set the record straight with you too. Maybe you didn’t take the time to read all of the posting prior to mine, but I did. I read every single last one of them. So when I read what one of the victim’s brother said about making sure that the suspect never walks the streets again, I understood where he was coming from. What I didnt understand was why A.V.T accused Victor of threatening the suspect, yet he or she turned around and threatened to report Victor to some unknown entity. Since this is America, I evoked my right to freedom of speech, and I don’t regret a word. Then, some bonehead named Gerald comes along and tries to defend A.V.T as the newspaper itself. As you read, if you cared to read anything other than my comments, you would have seen that even A.V.T denied he represented the paper. Now here YOU go!! I’m annoying and need to get off the computer?!? Lol. This shouldn’t even be about me. This page is about two young men who senseless loss their lives to a drunk driver. And again, my condolences to their family and friends, including my son.

  7. VICTOR,Don’t apologize for your remarks, I know that you did not actually mean to threaten Tommie Lee Cole. I am sure many others understand as well. You are experiencing a lot of hurt and pain right now, and NO ONE can know just how much unless they too have lost a brother. I lost my brother many years ago, and even now, I still feel a fresh wave of pain almost daily. I lost my brother to an illness not to something as preventable as drunk driving so I understand that your pain might be much worst. I understand that pain and hurt can drive you to do and say things outside of your character. You don’t have to apologize for it… It’s part of the grieving process. I pray that you and your family will find the strength to make it through these dark days. May those two young men rest in peace…

  8. My son and Beau were best friends all through high school and beyond. Many a night and weekends were spent at each other’s home. Ben and Beau finished each other’s sentences and teased and joked as only est buddies could do. Many a Halo parties at my house with Beau driving the “beaumobile” first and then selling it to Ben…..Beau was one of the most gracious and kindest of men. I am honored to call him my second son. I give my prayers to his family and to us all who knew and loved him as we did. “Jelly bean, jelly bean…..light turn green”. Thank you to the Fluker family for sharing their son, brother, and nephew and for raising such a fine young man. R.I.P. Beau.

  9. you know what?! EVERYONE DEALS WITH DEATH AND LOSS DIFFERENTLY and ANGER< PAIN HURT whatever we go through it is a process to get to the place of healing!! If you don't like what is being said don't come here to read it!!
    You all are Hypocrites! YOUR FRIEND/FamilyMember is alive and breathing.
    YOU ALL CAN NOT say how you would feel and react if it was TOMMIE that died unless it really was him that died. So why don't you all try to have some Empathy! (Look it up in dictionary) AND LET US BE!!! Some of you would be angry too

  10. It is true that Tommie made one of the worst mistakes a person can make. But if these friends of yours that were killed were really such wonderful people (and I’m sure that they were) do you really think these are things they would want you to be saying? Do you really think they would want you to be so full of hatred that you curse an entire family for their sons/cousins mistake? If you can’t find any compassion for Tommie and his family that’s fine. But out of respect for your friends I’m sure you can restrain from talking about how terrible his family is

    • you know what?! EVERYONE DEALS WITH DEATH AND LOSS DIFFERENTLY and ANGER< PAIN HURT whatever we go through it is a process to get to the place of healing!! If you don't like what is being said don't come here to read it!!
      You all are Hypocrites! YOUR FRIEND/FamilyMember is alive and breathing.
      YOU ALL CAN NOT say how you would feel and react if it was TOMMIE that died unless it really was him that died. So why don't you all try to have some Empathy! (Look it up in dictionary) AND LET US BE!!! Some of you would be angry too

    • Well said Michael.
      talking about Tommies family does need to be restrained. Let’s remember those forgotten and how much they were cared and loved for

    • As the mother of Beau Fluker I sat in court with the mother of Jeffry Gilstrap as remembered all the good times we had with our sons. We realized that our lives were very much alike. We smiled and laughed and cried as we exchanged stories. we also listened to people laughing and joking about the people who were being seen by the judge. There was more than one drunk driving case and it seemed that most did not take it serious.So our sons will not be the last victims and they are not the first. But for the comments that say people do not know what they are doing STOP!!! A drunk driver uses a car as a weapon it is the same as shooting a gun in the air and not knowing where the bullet will land You are taking a chance with an innocent life. Three families lost sons all around the same age on Sunday. We cant control the actions of adults but Mrs.Gilstrap and Mrs. Fluker know they raised two great sons and we drilled in their heads Do the Right Thing. Let us grieve let us be angry and stop try to minimize the incident. A mistake is forgetting to put your seat belt on or misspelling someones name Drunk driving is not a mistake.

      • My heart Truly goes out to you Mrs.Fluker and Mrs.Gilstrap. You and the rest of your families are in mine and my families prayers. Beau was a Beautiful person with a heart of gold. It was Obvious he was raised with a lot of Love and wonderfull direction. I feel so Blessed to have known him and call him friend. I didn’t personally know Jeff, but a very good friend of mine worked with him and speaks highly of him and Beau. I Know Jeff was a GREAT guy as well , With hearing all the wonderfull things posted about him. Both Beau and Jeff were loved and will be greatly missed by SO many!! MY Heart Breaks….

  11. little maggot scumbag, really? and “Pathetic Family”
    I am so sorry for the loss of your family, friends and co-workers. This is absolutly horrible and sad. But for all the comments about disrespecting his family. And I am tommie’s family. He feels horrible, besides you bashing him, he’s having to live with this sadness and his irrisponsibilitie for the rest of his life. He’s not getting away with it. and he will be punished.

    And also For the rest of his life he has to live with his consequences. He isn’t “scum” he’s a human being, who made a very very very bad mistake. but posting comments about his family is also disrespectful. I realize how hard it is to lose someone you love. I’m not saying ANY of his actions were ok and im never going to ask you to forgive him. But my cousin has a heart, and he feels horrible. We don’t need you bashing OUR family. I realize everyone is so hurt by this. But Tommie will serve his time. My prayers go out to family and friends of these two wonderful men.

    • well Let’s give an idea to everyone here if he really feels bad…Today at court did he plead Guilty or Not Guilty….that will speak volumes!!

    • or maybe ” no contest” which is kind of admission of guilt, It would be him saying I won’t argue with the court IF they find me Guilty But it could have a reduced consequence or lesser charges….IS that what he is going for? TO GET LESS then what he deserves!!….Start your OWN Tommie Supportes Page somewhere ELSE!!! We don’t want you here!!! Instead of seltive reading of certain posts on here, READ ALL OF THEM!! TOMMIE has NO PITY< SUPPORT or FRIENDS HERE! and like SOMEONE ELSE( not me) posted…." if he were a child molester, you would all still support him then too right"

    • one more thing, YOU keep telling yourself he Has a “good heart” and he is a “good guy”….What are WE suppossed to think Us that don’t drink and drive WHEN WE GET IN OUR CARS AT NIGHT WITH OUR FAMILES AND DRIVE SOMEWHERE are WE all soppossed to know that we could get killed by a DRUNK DRIVER Crimminal( I say crimminal because it is against the law) at any momment!! WE will ALL DIE!! and the drunk sustains MILD Injury and lives!….We are just to be like ” oh Its okay though! The DRUNK that WILL KILL US HAS A “GOOD HEART” and is a “GOOD PERSON” ( and his Cousin, or any other Family member say’s that LOL)…..BULLSHIT!!

  12. I didnt know them well but I do know that they were both great associates always smiling and I will truly miss them both.

  13. Jeff was my friend, I miss him already but I will not harbor any hate for this Tommy Lee Cole, yes he did something senseless and horrible. Most of us know better but there are still many who make the same mistake, it’s only human to do so. In the end hating Cole will not bring back Jeff or Beau, it will not honor their memory, it will not make Cole a better human being. I am sure he feels horrible enough as it is because not only has he taken two lives but he has effectively ruined his own. Let us all remember the good times we shared with these people, pray for the souls of Jeff and Beau, pray for the life of Cole. No one deserves to lose their life like this and no one deserves the burden of being the one who did it.

  14. My harts go out to these families beau always helped my mom in electronics he was so sweet may God bless these souls charish our loved ones u never no when the last is the last

  15. My condolences to both Jeff’ s and Beau’s families. I did not know Jeff, but I’m sure since he was a friend of Beau’s that he was a good person. Beau was a friend to myself and my son. One of the most positive, intelligent, helpful, easy to talk to persons I have ever met in my life. He will be missed and remembered by all those who had the pleasure to know him.

  16. I was going to write how angry i was for this man taking my nephew and his friend but i decided not to give him that glory. Instead I want to express my love for them. Please stay intouch with your family, tell them everyday you love them, even if your mad. Take the time out to make contact and respect each other. Keeping real, i would really like to see Tommie. But it’s really not about him right now. I’ll see him later…Beau you will be missed and loved for has long as my heart beats.To the family of Jeffrey our hearts and prays go out to all of you. the world has lost two great men and Heaven as gained 2 wonderful souls…

    • I know it is too soon but there is a lovely group at the Gathering House in Redondo Beach 310-374-6323 that deals with grief. They offer three free sessions for all family members brothers, cousins, etc plus a special group that deal with the lost of a child (similar people coping).

  17. Condolences to both families..seems like drunk driving is a big problem in the Antelope Valley,Lancaster especially. Just saw atleast 15 more articles dating back to last year. Maybe the Sherriffs should setup more check points. But lets not be too critical, I personally know several employees at that same wal-mart who have done the same thing, they were just lucky they didn’t kill anyone.

  18. my heart goes out to Beau and Jeffs families..im sorry for ur loss i will miss them dearly beau was a very nice guy very good at there jobs..R.I.P guys…miss u

  19. Let’s not spend our energy trashing Tommie but remembering the ones lost. I’d rather not waste my energy in hate. Tommie will pay for his crimes. I would rather live as Beau did. He was a person I loved and admired. One of my very best friends. I will miss him. My thoughts also go out to Jeff’s family. I only met him once for a brief time. But any friend of Beau’s is a friend mine.

  20. Although I have to admit I did not know Jeff, I did know Beau. I have known him since high school and he and my husband are Best of friends. Knowing Beau the way I do I already can tell that Jeff must have been a very nice, kind loving person because that was all Beau liked to be around. I know its said every time somebody is lost due to a terrible accident such as this that they were nothing but nice and loving and alot of the times its not always true. However in the case of Beau *smiles to self* it really was. He was shy, quite, smart as all get up, loved his family and friends and beyond loyal. Would be there for you for anything and everything all the way down to just going to get burgers at in-n-out. I will never forget the countless hours we all spent together at Bases Cards and Comics, Carls Jr afterwards, or the DAYS! spent playing halo =) All my love to his biological family as well as to his family of friends because that is what we all are.

  21. Everyone makes mistakes. No-one is perfect. I feel for the family that lost their love ones. I never got an opportunity to know Beau, but I know his sister very well. She loved her brother very much and now he is gone.

    Tommy may have made a mistake–please remember he has not been found guilty of anything.

    I can only hope and pray that everyone learns something.

    My heart goes out to the victims–who are not with us to give us their side of the story. If found guilty–Tommy will pay–he will always remember what happened and what it cost him, his family and the victims family.

    • WTH.. He could have sleep it off. He could have called someone. He could have gave he keys to someone. He could have sleep in his car. I’m sure he wasn’t thinking I can’t wait to kill two Walmart employees coming from work but he made a choice that effected so many lives. My heart goes out to both family. It seems like Jeff and Beau were wonderful men. What a destiny for poor Jeff he just got the job and got off of work a hour earlier but he waited for Beau. Not for sure if Beau gave him a ride or not but all this could have not happen if it wasn’t for Tommie Lee Cole actions..

  22. If all of you who are saying these horrible things about Tommie can HONESTLY say you haven’t made the same mistake and drove drunk then you can speak. Other than that leave
    Your rude comments to yourself. He has to live with this for the rest of his life. That’s enough punishment in itself. Rest in peace you two.

    • That will never be enough punishment for the pain and suffering he has caused for their families and friends.

      • We should be remember the ones lost. Not condemning this man. He will pay in this life and the next. I will choose to remember Beau in a positive light. As one of the greatest men I have had the pleasure of calling my friend

    • F you you Have NO right posting here!!! what are you his mama or other family member??…NO not everyone drives drunk!!! some of US were taught BETTER then that and/or are responsible….HE deserves to rot in Prison with the Haunting Guilt and that is IF and only IF he even has a conscience….if it were me in his shoes I would be Wishing I would of died in the Accident…..he should of killed himself ONLY NOT to innocent RESPONSIBLE great guys comming home from long shift at work!! RIP BEAU AND JEFF….prayers going up to the families

    • You are taking this way too lightly this was two human beings who lost there life. It seems Tommy is not the only who needs pray, help, and wisdom.
      You do not realize how much damage Tommy has done to my very little family that we left.
      But trust me GOD is the truth in this whole saga!
      Beau loved his family, friends, and any body he came in contact with.
      Rethink before you post;Because your sad comments hurt both Beau’s and Jeff’ family.

      http://www.www.theavtimes.com/2012/02/26/alleged-dui-driver-kills-two-in-lancaster/?replytocom=16202#respond

      • im not defending what he did. but i will say i know him and i know that he will feel absolutely horrible about it. but remember them for who they were thats all you people need to do instead of degrading him as a person..hes a good guy that made the worst decision of his life. i’m sorry for your loss.

        • If were degrading him its because he deserves it and he did a great job degrading himself by ending the life of two great individuals

          • He made a horrible mistake and i feel so bad for ur guys loss but for u guys to judge him and say “thats if and only if he has a concious” is completely judgemental for one mistake u guys dont know him and what type of person he is so yea i know that your guys’ sadness is turning to hate but spend less time hating a guy you guys domt even know and more on loving those that have left us and how they affected your lives

          • for you to come in here and say that we didnt know tommy is so disrespectul your asking for compashion for a guy that murdered to wonderful human beings whose lifes were taken way to soon because the “great” person that tommy was decided to go sit behing a drivers wheel and run a red light and take a out to inocent by standards that were just trying to go home from work. HONESTLY to anyone that is going to come in here and expect us to have some campasion or sympathy for Tommy you can forget about it please just show some respect for the families it is a hard time for them and the last thing they need to hear or see is how some people think of tommy as a nice person after hes the resposible one for all this pain and hurt that were feeling. So please put yourselfs in our place and just let us mourne the loss of our brother/nephew/son/friend/co worker whatever jeffery and beau were to us they are missed and its just hurts that they were taken away so soon from us due to someones lack of judgement. The only person whos opinion counts is going to be God and Tommy will have to answer to him one day unfortunatly we lost our loved ones but there in a better place doing what they love away from this world and their looking down on us and smiling to see how much they do mean to us. We love you guys r.i.p

        • I am truly sorry to those family and friends that lost those two people , to the murderous drunk , u knew that you should have been driving at all and u knew that u could hurt someone and u did u took two people from this world , u should atone for what u did !

          I have lost one of best friend to some asshole who want to drink and drive .he was the most awesome grandpa and best friend I could have asked for I miss him everyday and wish he was still here to see me get married , have kids , and all the good stuff that he will miss out on .

          FYI to the man who killed those boys u cant never bring them back and they where someones friend , family , best friend , sons , and fathers so I want u to think about all those things they will never get to see or do

      • I totally agree with you …the way some people are commenting is as if 2 ants died.These are two of my workmates and the sadest part for me is i was with beau that night till about 2hrs before this happened cause we were the 2 doing that shift in electronics department,and beau was my guru ,as he was very influential on the way i learned how to go about my work, never can forget him in this life,as for jeff he was a wonderful kid even though i did not know him closely but may god give the strength to their families to hold themselves together. Am gonna miss you brothers!!!!

        • hell Yeah making Judgement on Tommie!!! He obviously was Not all that!! He is old enough to know right from wrong and He CHOSE to do WRONG!! getting drunk is NOT an excuse to kill two innocent hard working men!!.And then walk away with minor injuries!!??…..What upsets me so, Is that Why is it that 99% of the time in drunk driving related accidents The drunk driver only asstains MINOR injuries, and the INNOCENT people get killed??? where is the justice there??….The person or persons drinking and driving SHOULD BE THE ONES PUNISHED and the ones who get killed for their IRRESPONSIBLE behaviors and Actions. Period!

    • HONESTLY YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. NOW TWO FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF HIS SELFISHNESS AND IRRESPONSIBILITY. PRAYERS TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS. I HAVE NO PITY FOR THE SUSPECT!!!!!

    • Well honestly I have never drove drunk and by the way that was one of those young men was my husbands nephew and his brothers son so people shouldn’t drive drunk period there are no exscues for that none these two young men are gone forever and yea you are right he has to live the rest of his life but he is alive and living they were someones son,brother,nephew friend etc people leave rude comments because they are tired of drunk drivers killing people that are just minding their own buisness doing what the law says and people decide to drink and drive it is stupid and wreckless and if it were Tommy would you be saying what you said think about it

      • i definitely worded everything so wrong. never meant to offend the family or friends. i understand that you are all speaking from your hearts and you’re hurt. my prayers are with you all. just hope one day you can forgive him for this.

        • My brother beau was killed i will never forgive him this was no accident he knew when he stepped in that car that nothing good was going to come out i will make sure he never walks the streets again r.i.p beau and jeff 2 good people taken way to soon you we will never forget you guys

          • Please don’t let anger kill your spirit. God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. I hear so many wonderful things about your brother. He wouldn’t want you to be left in anger and sorry. I have experience lost from a motocycle accident. I would say that accident is not Jeff and Beau life story. I like to remember my family member with a smile and a hug and how he loved to dance..

          • Victor- “I will make sure he never walks the streets again”

            That is a threat and I’m a mandatory reporter.

            Sorry you had to post this on something that can not be deleted.

            I’m sorry for your loss. I realize how hard that is to deal with. But a threat will not be tolerated on here or on any kind of public article or website.

          • sorry avt if you thought it was a threat it was not i just wanna make sure he dosen,t do it to any else family its a real tragedy lots of people read my comment and agreed and understood my point a lot worst post then mine

          • A.V.T of all of the comments that I have heard here, yours is THE WORST!!! If you feel a need to report, then make an a$$ of yourself and do your thing; no need to make an announcement about it. Is your sorry a$$ tryna intimidate or instill fear in Victor?! You evil, hateful, ingrate!! To Victor, I took your statement to mean that you will make sure to attend EVERY parole hearing that Tommie has until the day one of you die, whichever comes first. For all of you that are trying to defend Tommie, your words are falling on deaf ears here, so save your efforts, energy, and words for his trial and hope that your statements AS CHARACTER WITNESSES ON HIS BEHALF is effective to save him from life in prison or death. Clearly, the mourners of Jeff and Beau are running these comments. My son works at that Walmart and when I lived there, 90% of all of my shopping was done there. Although Idk if I ever met either of these 2 young men, I believe all of the good things that I have read here and on Facebook about them, and my heart and prayers are with their families, friends, and co-workers. A.V.T? Go bury your head in the sand and leave that boy’s brother alone! Insensitive idiot!

        • Obviously you did not get to meet beau or Jeff they were truly angels and you would be speaking bad of tommie I can only hope and wish that he gets charged with double manslaughter and anything else he deserves it. We miss beau so much working is not the same without him. If you don’t want to read about how much people hate your friend then maybe you shouldn’t be on here were mourning the loss of two great individuals and your murderer friend does not deserve sympathy from anyone. I hope that he can’t sleep at night knowing he killed two angels that were simply going home so please just do us a favor and don’t comment we are all so hurt with what’s going on. We have shed so many tears and all because he decided.to get behind the wheel. We miss you beau rip Jeffrey we love you guys

          • Im not asking you guys to have sympathy cuz id feel the same in ur guys position just it sucks to know that your friend is gonna be behind bars for life cuz he made that so stupid decision to get behind the wheel just know that he is a good guy and its killing him inside that he did what he did and i know im so sorry that our friend did this to you and just know that he is in a living hell for what he did. Much condolances and respect to them and the families in suffering right now

          • Mike what a disrespectful guy you are. If you were such a great friend why didn’t you pick him up and drive him home safely so all could live? Whether he regrets his decision or not is not the issue here. Generally, speaking this is probably not his first time drinking and driving. Why don’t you just write him a letter to his cell and tell him how much of a great guy he is and leave this area alone. He ignored the law, he ignored education (Health Class 9th grade teaches no driving drunk and alternative solutions). He was selfish and now he has consequences. Who cares about he will be in jail with regreat! What I care about is Jeff family who was raised by a single mother and he went to work to assist his mom and younger brother. Now who is going to hold her up in her time of pain. I care about Beau family and friends who depended on him and his present. I care about the pain both family when be going through and the years of healing it takes when you lost a love one. I care aobut who will pay for the funerals. I care about how this story will not stop other Tommie Lee Coles who will kill in the future because he could not make a simple phone call or just sleep it off. I care for my own safety because I drive in that area daily. SMH..I am sure you will stick up for a child molester too if he was your friend. “He only meant to love the child not hurt the child”.. STFU..

  23. it was great working with both of you guys i will miss both of you prayer for both family’s will miss you Jeffery and Beau

  24. Thank you for the prayers everyone … I just keep looking for Jeffrey to come through the door …

    • Miss Linda my heart goes out to you. We lost a family member in a car accident in 2010. He was 24 and such a loving spirit, upbeat, played video games, love to dance and listen to music but most importantly he freely gave love. What an understanding soul he was. My family is still in the process of healing. His Grandmother looks at the door expecting for him to walk through and dance around the living room. His mother is just not the same (the holidays are hard for her). She says a part of her is just missing. His younger sister get into alot of fights at school because she’s upset. His 4 year old brother asks for him everyday. At one time, he asked me to get a wheel chair to help him out the box at church because his brother is too sick and can not walk. I know it is too soon but there is a lovely group at the Gathering House in Redondo Beach 310-374-6323 that deals with grief. They offer three free sessions for all family members brothers, cousins, etc plus a special group that deal with the lost of a child (similar people coping). You seem like a woman of faith and an event like this will challenge it. I like to think of God needed him more and we will see him later. I’m not for sure if you need financial help for the funeral but if so please post it so we can help.. Many prayers to you and your family…

  25. R.I.P to both of you! Life was take from you to soon, you will be missed, thoughts and prayers go out to both familys and friends we have two angels upon us!

  27. Thanks for this article. I was wondering what happened and was hoping this site would cover it. This is a great news site.

  29. that sucks…hold your kids, love them cause you never know when you will lose them….and teach them not to make such foolish decisions.

  30. omg he should not even get a bail . he should get life he killed two men who were love cuz he was a druck tommy lee needs to rought in hell he should get LIFE

  31. I first want to send out my condolences and prayers to the families of both of these young men who were tragically taken away from all of us. I can only imagine the pain that these poor families are left with. My heart is broken because these two young men were great people, fun, and so full of life. And what makes it even worse is while these young men were coming home innocently from a long 9 hour shift, they were murdered by an ignorant man who was out having a good time and decided to drive around drunk, and he gets to walk away with minor injuries. This man will never understand what great people he took from us because of his ignorance and selfishness. Nothing he can do or say will ever take away the pain he has caused their poor families and their friends. I hope the court punishes this idiot to the fullest extent and as he is sitting in his cell be forced to have the pictures of these young men on his cell wall so that he can remember daily what he did and the pain he has caused all the families and friends involved. R.I.P. Jeffery and Beau. May God watch over you both and Bless and protect your families.

  32. both of these guys were one in a million you will never meet any one like them both!! beau i think was one of the most positive guys i have ever met and jeff was always soo nice. my prayers are with your families. tommy lee cole has to live with what he did for the rest of his life and although that is not justice for the death of our 2 friends , mayeb he taught his friends a lesson and everyone around him. learn from others mistakes dont learn the hard way

  33. It’s time to stop charging drunk drivers that kill innocent people with a Felony DUI. They know before they start drinking whether they are going to get behind a wheel when they have finished drinking. Therefore their actions should be counted as premeditated and they should be charged accordingly and not just be given a slap on the wrists. Prayers and Blessings to the families of Jeff and Beau.

  34. It’s time to stop charging drunk drivers that kill innocent people with Felony DUI. They know before they start drinking whether they are going to get behind a wheel when they have finished drinking. Therefore their actions should be counted as premeditated and they should be charged accordingly and not just be given a slap on the wrists. Prayers and Blessings to the families of Jeff and Beau.

    • I cant recall seeing a DUI case that ended up in death not be charged with something other than DUI. Most of the time its vehicular manslaughter at the least up to murder on top of the DUI charges.

    • Anyone that follows baseball will know of Nick Adenhart and 3 others killed by a drunk driver in California. That man was charged and found guilty of murder. So the possibility is there. Trust the legal system to do the right thing.

    • I agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      I work at #1563 and even though I did not actually work with Beau and Jeff and it was more of a passing hello or a little convo at the register, I feel their absence. It is just blowing my mind how I seen both of them before it happened. When I see their pictures around the store it breaks my heart to know that I won’t ever see them again.

      My last memeory of Beau was of him smiling and saying hello to me. My last memory of Jeff was of him coming through my line and he was telling that he was waiting for his ride, he smiled and left.

      regraudless of what happens or what anyone says Cole will have to answer to GOD and he will have to live with this for the rest of his life.

      I am praying for Jeff, Beau, and their familes to find peace.

  35. tommy is a prime example of stupidity…ha ha drinking is fun…so im going to drive….yeah real smart….his child like actions just cost the lives of two of my friends…i hope he realizes exactly what he did and lives with the guilt…of said actions…he will never know the kind of friends jeff and boux were….he will never know the kind hearted people he took from all of us….i hope he gets his just deserves..and feels the pain he put all of us through…my heart goes out to both boux and jeffs family

  37. Rest in Peace, Beau & Jeff…I pray your families get justice for you, because your lives weren’t worth losing over drinks. God bless, Love & Prayers to you and your families.

  38. They both were good guys and well liked they will be forever missed and all always in are hearts. R.I.P 2/26/2012

  39. I’ll remember both of you, and it will be of how really good guys you both are. Both of you were always willing to help. GOOD PEOPLE…..

  40. WTF??? DID TOMMY LEE GET BONDED OUT OF JAIL??? THE ARTICLE SAID HE WAS IN JAIL….I just checked the sheriffs web site http://www.lasd.org and he is NOT in their system?!…..He needs to be!! of coarse his Pathetic family might have bailed him out

      • AH….Ok Thanks, going to check now and hope the lil maggot scumbag is still where he deserves to be ,LOCKED UP!!

        • little maggot scumbag, really? and “Pathetic Family”
          I am so sorry for the loss of your family, friends and co-workers. This is absolutly horrible and sad. But for all the comments about disrespecting his family. And I am tommie’s family. He feels horrible, besides you bashing him, he’s having to live with this sadness and his irrisponsibilitie for the rest of his life.

          And also For the rest of his life he has to live with his consequences. He isn’t “scum” he’s a human baing, who made a very very very bad mistake. but posting comments about his family is also disrespectful. I realize how hard it is to lose someone you love. I’m not saying ANY of his actions were ok and im never going to ask you to forgive him. But my cousin has a heart, and he feels horrible. We don’t need you bashing OUR family. I realize everyone is so hurt by this. But Tommie will serve his time. My prayers go out to family and friends of these two wonderful men.

      • thank you, yeah I found it under the CORRECT spelling of name they got it wrong it the article he is 24 not 22

  41. Two awsome guys are now our new angels ….you will both be missed….i am glad i got to meet such a wonderful man….will never forget you -rip 2/26/2012

  42. They were great guys whose lives were taken to soon….. May they rest in peace. To their families much love and support.

  44. Gay?? Really?? Grow up, this person has committed a horrible crime and killed two people and you go for the school yard insults. My heart goes out to the families of the victims.

  45. This is shocking! Why drink & drive? Now these innocent people are gone & their family are in a lot of pain! Now u can sit behind bars & still communicate with your family & these two young men get nothing but flowers on their grave ! This is something that we can’t reverse because Tommy Lee Cole couldn’t be a responsible drinker!

  46. I’m sure the drunken driver, Tommy Lee Cole, was [removed]! Watch out Tommy, Ace is going to make a fool outta you [removed]!