Davidsonville, MD – A 19-year-old Maryland man has pleaded guilty to murdering his former employer in a case that prosecutors say involved kidnapping, binding the victim, and setting a car on fire with him inside. The plea comes months after the killing shocked the Anne Arundel County community.
Jonah Michael Poole entered the guilty plea Wednesday in connection with the death of 67-year-old Edward Koza, who was found dead inside a burned vehicle outside his business, Tropic Bay Water Gardens, on May 24. Authorities said Koza had been bound and placed in the car before it was intentionally set ablaze.
Investigators allege Poole carried out the attack with his girlfriend, 19-year-old Kylee Alyssa Dakes, and that the two had planned to stand trial in June before the plea was entered.
Key Points
- 19-year-old Jonah Poole pleads guilty in killing of former employer Edward Koza
- Victim was bound and found inside car set on fire outside Davidsonville business
- Prosecutors say attack was part of a planned robbery involving Poole and his girlfriend
Evidence tied suspects to crime
According to investigators, Poole and Dakes went to Koza’s store around 5:30 p.m. on the day of the killing, where they allegedly ambushed him, restrained him with duct tape, and forced him into his own vehicle.
Surveillance footage later showed Koza’s car at a gas station, where police said Poole was seen driving while wearing a Bass Pro Shops hat and flannel shirt. Dakes was observed exiting the vehicle and purchasing what investigators believe was a gasoline container.
Authorities said the pair then returned to the business, where the car was set on fire with Koza still inside.
Investigation revealed motive
Police responding to the scene discovered a melted gasoline container near the burned vehicle, along with the hat believed to have been worn by Poole. Officials said the evidence pointed to an intentionally set fire.
Further investigation revealed Poole had previously worked for Koza for a short period, and detectives believe robbery was the motive behind the killing.
The case against Dakes remains pending.
