Police: Drunk Driver Kills Two People On East W.T. Harris Boulevard
The Latest:
Police say a drunk driver is being charged for his involvement in a crash that left an Afghan evacuee mom and good samaritan dead Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, the driver has been identified as James Payne. The 20-year-old was determined impaired by an officer responding to the crash. Police say an open alcohol container was found in his vehicle. The two women killed in the accident have also been identified.
Enedina Fernandez, 75, was pronounced dead at the scene, while 23-year-old Nabila Rasoul died shortly after being transported to the hospital, according to a news release.
Authorities say Rasoul was a refugee from Afghanistan and Fernandez was from a church who was helping the woman and her children with resources.
Gerry Carter, Executive Director and CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte says “We are heartbroken over the loss of Dina Fernandez and Nabila Rasoul, who were out for a walk after working together on an English lesson Tuesday afternoon. Dina was a passionate volunteer who stepped up to help Catholic Charities in its efforts to resettle Afghan evacuees into our community, and Nabila and her family were recent arrivals. Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Charlotte are reaching out to both families to assist in any way we can, and we hope everyone in the Charlotte community will join us in praying for the families, that they may find strength and support to sustain them in their grief over the sudden, tragic loss of their loved ones.”
Investigators say Payne was accompanied by a minor as he was driving under the influence. Police have charged him with two counts of Felony Death by a Motor Vehicle, DWI, Reckless Driving, and Misdemeanor Child Abuse.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who have more information to call Detective Buckley at 704-432-2169
Click here to donate to the Rasoul’s GoFundMe.
ORIGINAL STORY:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person is dead and five others injured following a wreck on East W.T. Harris Boulevard near Duncroft Lane Tuesday afternoon.
Medic says one person was pronounced dead on the scene, one person was transported with life-threatening injuries and four others were treated on the scene for injuries. No other details have been released at this time.
Expect major delays in the area while crews investigate the deadly crash.
