New Charges in Lincoln County Hit-and-Run Case

Lincoln County, North Carolina, February 13, 2026

In a pivotal development in a fatal hit-and-run case in Lincoln County, NC, Minyon Yasmell Thomas, 29, has been indicted on serious charges including felony hit-and-run inflicting death and involuntary manslaughter. The initial suspect, Brian Marcus James, now faces revised charges, indicating a deeper investigation and understanding of the tragic incident that took the life of 23-year-old bicyclist Jaycob Neece. Legal proceedings are set to move forward for both individuals as court dates are scheduled.

Lincoln County, North Carolina

A significant development has emerged in a fatal hit-and-run case in Lincoln County, North Carolina, as a second individual has been charged and the initial suspect now faces different, accessory charges. Minyon Yasmell Thomas, 29, was indicted on February 5 on felony charges related to the death of a bicyclist, Jaycob Neece. This indictment alleges that Thomas was the driver in the October 2025 collision. Brian Marcus James, who was originally arrested as the suspected driver, now faces charges including felony hit and run with injury and two counts of accessory after the fact, following a grand jury investigation. These new developments mark a pivotal shift in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident.

Investigation Leads to New Indictments

The grand jury investigation culminated in the indictment of Minyon Yasmell Thomas on February 5, for her alleged role in the fatal crash. The specific charges brought against Thomas are felony hit-and-run inflicting death and involuntary manslaughter. These charges assert that Thomas was operating the vehicle that struck Jaycob Neece and subsequently fled the scene without reporting the incident or awaiting law enforcement’s investigation.

Concurrently, Brian Marcus James, who had been the focus of the initial arrest and investigation, now faces a revised set of charges. His original felony hit and run and misdemeanor death by vehicle charges have been replaced. James is now charged with felony hit and run with injury and two counts of accessory after the fact. These accessory charges suggest that James allegedly assisted Thomas in evading responsibility following the crash. This indicates a deepening understanding by investigators of the events that transpired after the collision.

Details of the Crash

The fatal collision occurred on October 1, 2025, on NC 73 near South Pilot Knob Road in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Investigations revealed that Jaycob Neece, a 23-year-old bicyclist, was traveling on NC 73 when he was struck by a 2014 Honda CR-V. The incident happened around 3:05 a.m. Neece was discovered later that morning, around 9:50 a.m., and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda CR-V reportedly left the scene and drove into Mecklenburg County immediately after the crash.

Brian Marcus James was arrested in Huntersville shortly after the crash and was initially identified as the driver. He was held on a $40,000 bond in the Lincoln County jail. The shift in charges for James, from being the suspected driver to facing accessory counts, underscores the dynamic nature of criminal investigations and the ability of grand juries to uncover new evidence or interpretations of events.

Allegations Against the Defendants

Court documents detail specific allegations against Minyon Yasmell Thomas. It is alleged that Thomas “willfully failed to immediately stop at the scene of the crash” and that she “facilitated, allowed and agreed to the removal of the vehicle” before law enforcement could complete their investigation. These actions form the basis for the felony hit-and-run and involuntary manslaughter charges.

The accessory after the fact charges against Brian Marcus James stem from allegations that he assisted Thomas in efforts to avoid accountability following the collision. This could involve actions such as helping to move the vehicle or concealing information from authorities. The legal proceedings for both individuals will now move forward through the Lincoln County court system, where they will have the opportunity to respond to these grave charges. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and future court dates will be scheduled in the public docket as the cases progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the second person charged in the fatal Lincoln County hit-and-run?
  The second person charged is Minyon Yasmell Thomas, 29.
• What are the charges against Minyon Yasmell Thomas?
  Minyon Yasmell Thomas was indicted on February 5 on charges of felony hit-and-run inflicting death and involuntary manslaughter.
• Who was the initial suspect, and what are their new charges?
  The initial suspect was Brian Marcus James. He now faces charges of felony hit and run with injury and two counts of accessory after the fact.
• When and where did the fatal hit-and-run occur?
  The fatal hit-and-run occurred on October 1, 2025, on NC 73 near South Pilot Knob Road in Lincoln County, North Carolina, around 3:05 a.m.
• Who was the victim of the hit-and-run?
  The victim was Jaycob Neece, a 23-year-old bicyclist.
• What vehicle was involved in the crash?
  A 2014 Honda CR-V was involved in the crash.

Key Details of the Incident

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