05/06/14 — Man with Goldsboro ties pleads to two counts, second-degree murder

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Man with Goldsboro ties pleads to two counts, second-degree murder

By From Staff And Wire Reports
Published in News on May 6, 2014 1:46 PM

Ray Rouse IV

RALEIGH -- Ray Rouse IV pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of second-degree murder in the death of an elderly couple in Raleigh.

Rouse, 35, also pleaded guilty to drunken driving. He was sentenced to between 10 and 13 years in prison for the deaths of Ormond and Gaynell Bailey, who died when Rouse drove the wrong way on Wade Avenue on St. Patrick's Day 2013.

The plea bargain was set up by lawyers representing both sides. Charges of felony death by motor vehicle were dropped.

Assistant District Attorney Jason Waller said Rouse had been drinking at a Sunday brunch. Waller said other drivers saw Rouse ignore a "No Left Turn" sign and drive west in the eastbound lanes.

Rouse's blood-alcohol content was 0.21, nearly three times the legal limit.

Rouse, who uses a wheelchair because of injuries sustained in the accident, had been convicted of drunken driving once before and had had two other charges of drunken driving dismissed.