STATESVILLE, N.C. — An alleged drunk driver charged in a crash that killed three people, including two children, in Statesville last summer was expected to face a judge Monday. However, WCNC Charlotte learned his appearance will now take place at a later date.
Austin Ray Harmon is facing numerous charges, including DWI and felony death by motor vehicle in connection with a June 2022 head-on crash that killed 5-year-old Bentley Marlowe, his father Michael Shane Marlowe and 13-year-old sister Jada Marlowe. Three other people who were riding on a golf cart with the Marlowes were seriously injured when Harmon's Honda Accord crossed the center line and hit the group, according to state troopers.
Harmon was denied a bond reduction last September before he was released on a $310,000 bond. Harmon was then charged in another alcohol-related incident.
A judge modified the conditions of his pre-trial release to include no drugs or alcohol use before he goes on trial for the crash. The family said nothing can bring their loved ones back, but they hope justice is served.
"We do feel that justice is being served," Savannah Boltz, Jada Marlowe's mother, said in September. "There's been a lot of hurt and a lot of emotions with this. We're glad he's not out and able to drink and drive and hurt another family in the meantime."
FREE PODCASTS
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.