Charlotte, NC, January 14, 2026
An 18-year-old driver, Jason Anthony Scott, has been arrested for his role in a tragic crash that led to the deaths of a mother and daughter in south Charlotte. He faces serious charges, including two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The two-car collision occurred on December 27, resulting in critical injuries to a juvenile passenger. This incident has heightened concerns about road safety in the community, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities.
Charlotte: Teenager Arrested in Fatal South Charlotte Crash
Charlotte, NC – An 18-year-old driver has been arrested and faces multiple serious charges, including two counts of involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a tragic car crash that occurred last month in south Charlotte. The collision resulted in the deaths of a mother and daughter and critically injured a juvenile passenger.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Jason Anthony Scott, 18, was taken into custody on Monday, January 12, 2026, following an intensive investigation into the December 27, 2025, fatal incident. He has been charged with two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. Following his arrest, Scott was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and his bond was set at $300,000. He made his initial appearance in court on January 13, 2026.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The devastating two-vehicle collision occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at approximately 7:46 p.m. in the 7000 block of Ardrey Kell Road in south Charlotte. Emergency personnel from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department, and Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Service Agency (MEDIC) swiftly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a 2011 Honda CR-V SUV off the roadway, exhibiting extensive damage to its right side. In the roadway, a 2013 BMW 335i, driven by Jason Scott, was found with heavy front-end damage. Investigators suspect that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. Scott himself sustained serious injuries in the collision and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Initial screenings for impairment conducted at the scene indicated that Scott was not impaired.
Victims Identified
The crash tragically claimed the lives of 45-year-old Lorin Elizabeth Manley, who was driving the Honda CR-V, and her 80-year-old mother, Gloria Jeane Manley, a passenger in the rear right seat. Both women were pronounced deceased at the scene by MEDIC. Additionally, a juvenile passenger in the Honda CR-V sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The next of kin for the deceased victims have been notified of their immense loss.
The Gravity of the Charges
The charges brought against Jason Scott, particularly the two counts of involuntary manslaughter, underscore the severe legal ramifications of the incident. Involuntary manslaughter typically pertains to an unintentional killing that results from recklessness or criminal negligence. The additional charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury highlights the grave nature of the physical harm caused to the surviving juvenile. These charges initiate a complex legal process that will seek to determine accountability for the devastating outcomes of the crash. The ongoing nature of the investigation means that further information and details may emerge as legal proceedings continue.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This tragic incident has deeply affected the Charlotte community, serving as a somber reminder of the critical importance of responsible driving and road safety. The loss of two lives and the critical injury of a child have sent ripples of grief and concern throughout the area. Law enforcement officials confirm that the investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing. Authorities continue to urge anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses additional information relevant to the investigation to contact them. The cooperation of the public is crucial in gathering all necessary facts as the case progresses through the justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent fatal crash in Charlotte:
-
Who was arrested in connection with the fatal crash?
Jason Anthony Scott, 18, was arrested and charged in connection with the fatal crash.
-
When was the arrest made?
The arrest of Jason Anthony Scott occurred on Monday, January 12, 2026.
-
What charges does Jason Scott face?
Jason Scott faces two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury.
-
When did the fatal crash occur?
The fatal crash took place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at approximately 7:46 p.m.
-
Where did the crash happen?
The crash occurred in the 7000 block of Ardrey Kell Road in south Charlotte.
-
Who were the victims who died in the crash?
The crash claimed the lives of 45-year-old Lorin Elizabeth Manley and her 80-year-old mother, Gloria Jeane Manley.
-
Was anyone else injured?
Yes, a juvenile passenger in the Honda CR-V sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital.
-
What is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash?
Speed is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash.
-
Was impairment a factor for the arrested driver?
Initial screenings for impairment at the scene found that Jason Scott was not impaired.
Key Features of the Ardrey Kell Road Fatal Crash
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Jason Anthony Scott, 18 years old | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Date of Arrest | Monday, January 12, 2026 | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Charges Faced | Two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Crash Date | Saturday, December 27, 2025, approx. 7:46 p.m. | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Crash Location | 7000 block of Ardrey Kell Road, South Charlotte | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Fatalities | Lorin Elizabeth Manley (45), Gloria Jeane Manley (80) | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Injuries | One juvenile critically injured, Jason Scott seriously injured | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Suspected Contributing Factor | Speed | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Driver Impairment | Jason Scott found not to be impaired during initial screening | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Bond Set | $300,000 | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, active investigation | Local (Charlotte, NC) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arrest Made in Connection with December Teen Shooting in Charlotte
Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Teenage Life in North Charlotte
Guilty Plea in Fatal Drunk-Driving Crash in Charlotte
Teacher Arrested and Terror Plot Uncovered in North Carolina
Authorities Intensify Search for Missing 17-Year-Old
Man Arrested in South Charlotte Shooting Case
Charlotte Intensifies Focus on Public Safety and Initiatives
Charlotte Faces Multiple Tragedies and Community Victories
Englewood Teen Dies in Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Port Charlotte
Tragic Train Incident Claims Life in Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
