Statesville, North Carolina — A devastating drunk driving crash that tore apart a North Carolina family has ended with a prison sentence, but the courtroom testimony revealed haunting details that continue to ripple through the community.
A 26-year-old driver was convicted this week after jurors learned how a mother made a split-second decision to throw her 2-year-old daughter from a golf cart moments before it was struck by a drunk driver — a collision that killed her fiancé and two children.
The crash occurred in June 2022 on Fort Dobbs Road in Statesville, a rural stretch that investigators say became the scene of overwhelming loss in seconds.
What Happened the Night of the Crash
According to prosecutors, Austin Harmon was driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.12, well above the legal limit, when he crossed the centerline and slammed into a golf cart carrying six people.
The cart was occupied by Michael Marlowe, his children Bentley Marlowe, 5, and Jada Marlowe, 13, along with his fiancée Amy Mills, their 2-year-old daughter Bailey, and a family friend, Teagan Murphy, 16.
Michael Marlowe and Bentley were killed at the scene. Jada survived the initial impact but later died in the hospital.
Amy Mills and Bailey survived but suffered catastrophic injuries.
‘I Knew We Were Going to Get Hit’
During emotional testimony, Mills described realizing the impact was unavoidable.
“I knew we were going to get hit,” she told the jury. “She was so little. So I just threw her. I just threw her and hoped for the best.”
Bailey survived but suffered a broken jaw and two broken legs. Mills lost part of her leg due to the severity of her injuries.
Emergency responders described a scene that will likely stay with them forever.
“I seen a baby laying in the road,” testified Todd Lendernan, chief of the Iredell County Rescue Squad. “I seen one face down that was deceased. I seen another with people working on it.”
Victims Remembered in Court
Family members spoke about the lives lost — and the future that was stolen.
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Michael Marlowe was remembered as a devoted father. Bentley, the youngest victim, was known for his curiosity and bright personality. Jada, the eldest child killed, was described as artistic, imaginative, and deeply caring.
Teagan Murphy, who survived the crash, told the court she carries guilt for surviving while her friend did not.
“I live with guilt from still being alive while she’s not,” Murphy said.
Michael Marlowe’s father delivered one of the most painful statements.
“He’s ruined all of our lives forever,” he said, referring to Harmon.
Jury Deliberation and Sentence
Jurors deliberated for just six hours before finding Harmon guilty of DWI and felony serious injury by motor vehicle.
He was sentenced to 20 to 30 years in prison, a decision the court said reflected the magnitude of loss and recklessness involved.
Harmon declined to speak during sentencing. His attorney said he was remorseful.
“He would do anything to go back and undo the events of that day,” defense counsel told the court.
A Case That Highlights Drunk Driving Consequences
Prosecutors emphasized that the crash was entirely preventable, pointing to Harmon’s intoxication and lane violation as the sole cause.
The case has renewed conversations across North Carolina about impaired driving, particularly on rural roads where golf carts and low-speed vehicles are increasingly common.
While no sentence can undo the loss, family members said they hope the outcome serves as a warning.
A Mother’s Choice That Saved a Life
Among all the testimony, one moment stood out — a mother’s instinctive decision that saved her daughter’s life.
Thrown from danger seconds before impact, Bailey survived what investigators say would have otherwise been fatal.
The family continues to recover physically and emotionally, carrying grief alongside survival.
What are your thoughts on this case and the sentence handed down? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
