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Left inset: Jonah Michael Poole. Right inset: Kylee Alyssa Dakes. Middle inset: Edward Koza (Anne Arundel Police Department). Background: Tropic Bay Water Gardens parking lot in Maryland where Poole and Dakes lit Koza”s car on fire with him still inside, cops say (WBAL).
In a chilling case that has gripped Maryland, a teenager has admitted to a horrifying crime involving the murder of his former employer. Jonah Michael Poole, 19, confessed to the brutal killing of 67-year-old Edward Koza, a crime that stunned the local community.
Poole, alongside his girlfriend Kylee Alyssa Dakes, also 19, faced charges of first-degree murder. The couple allegedly orchestrated a terrifying attack on Koza at his workplace, restraining him with duct tape before trapping him in his car, which they then set ablaze. This gruesome act led to Koza’s tragic death.
The duo was initially slated to face trial in June. However, Poole’s decision to plead guilty has altered the course of the proceedings, bringing some closure to the case months after the shocking event.
The grim details came to light when authorities responded to an emergency call about a vehicle fire at Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville, Maryland, on the night of May 24, 2025. Koza’s body was discovered inside the charred vehicle, and evidence suggested the fire was deliberately set. Near the scene, investigators found a gasoline container and a Bass Pro Shops hat, both of which became crucial pieces of evidence pointing to arson.
According to the criminal complaints, on the day of the murder, Poole and Dakes allegedly arrived at Koza’s store around 5:30 p.m., where they launched their deadly attack. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station captured the couple in Koza’s vehicle. Poole was seen driving, wearing a recognizable Bass Pro Shops hat and flannel shirt, while Dakes exited the passenger side to purchase gasoline, using two $5 bills. This purchase, investigators believe, was pivotal to carrying out their lethal plan.
Police said Poole and Dakes returned to Tropic Bay Water Gardens, the business owned by Koza, where they parked the car and set it on fire with Koza still alive inside.
Further investigation revealed that Poole worked at Koza’s store for a couple of weekends the year before. Police believed the motivation behind the attack was robbery.
Poole entered his guilty plea on Wednesday and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. Dakes pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and is scheduled to appear in court on April 28. She remains in custody at the Anne Arundel County Jail.