Fayetteville, NC — Newly released investigative documents reveal that the car involved in a horrific crash earlier this month was traveling as fast as 92 mph in a 45 mph zone before impact — a tragedy that claimed the lives of three teenage passengers and left the driver critically injured.
The fatal wreck happened on October 8 just before 7:30 p.m. on Rosehill Road, when a Honda Civic with four occupants left the roadway, striking both a utility pole and a tree. The violent collision killed 18-year-old Jai’Hyon Elliott, 17-year-old Trevor Merritt, and 17-year-old Nicholas Williams — beloved students and football players at E.E. Smith High School.
The driver, 21-year-old Dymond Nekiya Monroe, survived but was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Driver Facing 3 Counts of Involuntary Manslaughter
Police announced this week that Monroe has been charged with:
- 3 counts of involuntary manslaughter
- Willful speed competition (street racing)
- Careless and reckless driving
- Speeding
- Insurance violation
Authorities say Monroe’s 19-year-old sister, Destini Rhinada Genwright, also faces charges including:
- Willful speed competition
- Speeding
- Careless and reckless driving
- Insurance violation
Investigators believe the sisters may have been racing prior to the crash — though Genwright has denied racing, she admitted hearing others suggest they were.
Video Evidence Shows Extreme Speeds
An affidavit filed by the Fayetteville Police Department and reviewed by Fox8 includes surveillance video analysis tracking Monroe’s vehicle moments before the crash.
Key speed findings from the affidavit:
- 92 mph recorded on Rosehill Road by Haymount Presbyterian Church cameras
- A second dark-colored vehicle closely following at 76 mph
- 73 mph recorded by the Islamic Center of Fayetteville cameras near the crash area
- A black Dodge Charger traveling alongside Monroe’s car at 66 mph
Genwright’s registered vehicle is a Dodge Charger, though police have not formally confirmed the second car in the video belongs to her.
Investigators previously stated that speed was the primary factor in the deadly collision.
Sisters Were Bringing Teens Home From a Party Outing
According to the affidavit, police interviewed Genwright on October 15 — one week after the crash. She told officers that she and Monroe were driving home after picking up friends from E.E. Smith High School for their brother’s surprise birthday party.
She also told investigators she witnessed the crash and was the one who called 911.
Legal Status of the Two Charged
- Genwright turned herself in on Tuesday and was released the same day on $10,000 secured bond.
- Monroe remains hospitalized in critical condition and has not yet appeared in court.
Both law enforcement and the community remain shaken by the loss of three student athletes whose futures were full of promise.
School Community in Mourning
The deaths of Elliott, Merritt, and Williams have devastated E.E. Smith High School, where the teens participated in athletics and were well-known among classmates and teachers. Support services and grief counseling have been made available to students coping with the tragedy.
Community members continue to visit the crash site, leaving flowers, football memorabilia, and handwritten messages to honor their memory.
Share Your Thoughts Below
How should communities address rising concerns about street racing and speeding among young drivers?
Do you think penalties should be tougher in cases involving serious injuries or deaths?
Share your thoughts, condolences, and messages of support for the families in the comments. Your voice matters.
