DA: ‘True Grace’ Shown By Family of Killed Toddler, Newborn

WILMINGTON, NC — The delivery driver blamed for the death of a Charlotte pastor’s toddler and newborn will spend at least one year in prison.  Matthew Deans pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter Wednesday.

Investigators say he had drugs in his system when he caused the deadly chain reaction crash in Wilmington in May.  The toxicology report found trace amounts of acetyl fentanyl, which is an opioid, and marijuana.

Hadley and Gentry Eddings told Deans they forgive him, something the DA mentioned after the hearing.

“The loss of Dobbs and Reid Eddings ripped the heart out of this community,” said DA Ben David.  “And if there’s any good to come of today, is what you witnessed was true grace.  What you witnessed was the very best kind of compassion and forgiveness.”

Two-year-old Dobbs Eddings died instantly in the crash.  His mother had an emergency C-section.  Newborn Reid Eddings died soon after.