Statesville, NC, December 14, 2025
The trial of Austin Ray Harmon, accused of causing a tragic collision between his Honda Accord and a golf cart, continues in Iredell County Superior Court. The crash resulted in the deaths of Michael Marlowe and his two children, Jada and Bentley. During the trial, key testimonies have emerged regarding eyewitness accounts, toxicology reports, and the condition of the golf cart involved. Harmon faces multiple charges, including felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired. The case emphasizes the complexities surrounding the incident.
Statesville, NC – Trial Continues for Fatal Golf Cart Crash
Statesville, NC – The trial of Austin Ray Harmon, 26, accused of causing a fatal collision between his Honda Accord and a golf cart on June 13, 2022, continues in Iredell County Superior Court. The crash resulted in the deaths of Michael Marlowe, 39, and his children, Jada, 13, and Bentley, 5, and left three others seriously injured.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
During the trial, several key testimonies and pieces of evidence have been presented:
- Eyewitness Account: Jeff Brooks, who was driving behind Harmon at the time of the crash, testified that he observed Harmon swerving left before the collision. He did not see the golf cart or its headlights prior to the accident and noted that Harmon did not appear impaired.
- Medical Examiner’s Testimony: The medical examiner confirmed that the injuries sustained by Michael and Bentley Marlowe were consistent with blunt force trauma from a vehicle collision. Autopsies were not performed due to the nature of the injuries and the embalming of the bodies before examination.
- Toxicology Report: A toxicologist testified that Harmon’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.12%, above the legal limit in North Carolina. The report also detected the presence of THC and the opioid painkiller tramadol, though it did not specify when these substances were consumed.
- First Responders’ Accounts: Paramedics described the chaotic scene upon arrival, detailing the locations of the victims and the severity of their injuries. They recounted the challenges faced in providing immediate medical care at the crash site.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Harmon faces multiple charges, including three counts of felony death by motor vehicle, three counts of serious injury by motor vehicle, driving while impaired (DWI), and reckless driving. The prosecution argues that Harmon’s impairment led to the crash, while the defense contends that the golf cart’s operation was a contributing factor. The trial is ongoing, with closing arguments and jury deliberations expected to commence soon.
Background Information
The incident occurred on Fort Dobbs Road near Statesville, NC, when Harmon’s vehicle collided head-on with a golf cart carrying Michael Marlowe, his children, and two other individuals. The crash resulted in the deaths of Michael, Jada, and Bentley Marlowe, and left Amy Mills, their fiancée and mother, and family friend Teagan Murphy with serious injuries. The golf cart was not equipped with standard safety features such as seat belts and brake lights and was not legally permitted to operate on state roads. The trial has highlighted various factors, including the condition of the golf cart and Harmon’s alleged impairment, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Dobbs Road, near Statesville, NC |
| Date of Incident | June 13, 2022 |
| Victims | Michael Marlowe (39), Jada Marlowe (13), Bentley Marlowe (5); Amy Mills and Teagan Murphy (seriously injured) |
| Defendant | Austin Ray Harmon (26) |
| Charges | Three counts of felony death by motor vehicle, three counts of serious injury by motor vehicle, DWI, reckless driving |
| Blood Alcohol Concentration | 0.12% (above legal limit) |
| Golf Cart Condition | Not equipped with standard safety features; not legally permitted on state roads |
| Trial Status | Ongoing; closing arguments and jury deliberations expected soon |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Austin Ray Harmon facing?
Austin Ray Harmon faces multiple charges, including three counts of felony death by motor vehicle, three counts of serious injury by motor vehicle, driving while impaired (DWI), and reckless driving.
What was the blood alcohol concentration of Austin Ray Harmon at the time of the crash?
A toxicologist testified that Harmon’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.12%, above the legal limit in North Carolina.
What were the conditions of the golf cart involved in the crash?
The golf cart was not equipped with standard safety features such as seat belts and brake lights and was not legally permitted to operate on state roads.
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial is ongoing, with closing arguments and jury deliberations expected to commence soon.
What were the injuries sustained by the victims in the crash?
The crash resulted in the deaths of Michael, Jada, and Bentley Marlowe, and left Amy Mills and Teagan Murphy with serious injuries.
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