Probes Underway Following Weekend Crashes That Leave Two Dead

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte police have launched investigations into two vehicle crashes that left two dead Saturday.

A pedestrian was struck and killed in the center lane 4800 block of East Independence Boulevard shortly after midnight Jan. 11, according to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Officers responded to the scene around 12:30 a.m., where they found the victim unresponsive in the roadway, as well as a damaged silver 2006 Honda Civic driven by James Edgar Benton, Jr., 39.

Following a preliminary investigation, police said the Honda was traveling west on the thoroughfare in the center lane when it struck the pedestrian. "It is currently unknown in which direction the pedestrian was traveling; however, the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk and was wearing dark clothing," CMPD said.

The pedestrian, who has not been identified pending family notification, was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and was pronounced dead a short time later, CMPD said. Benton was transported by Medic with minor injuries. Police said speed and impairment were not factors in the crash and that Benton was not charged. Toxicology results for the pedestrian are pending, CMPD said.

Hours later Saturday evening, a fatal two-car crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. in the 11300 block of Mount Holly Road in northwest Charlotte.

According to a police account, a 2005 silver Honda Accord driven by Christopher Scott White, Jr., 25, was traveling east on Mount Holly Road when it lost control in a curve and crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. The Honda was struck on the driver's side by a Hyundai Sonata SE and drove off the roadway, into a field. White, its driver, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inside the Hyundai was driver Laura Christine Weber, 33, and a 14-month-old baby, who was in a child restraint system. Both were transported to Atrium Main with minor injuries. Weber, who was wearing her seatbelt, was not impaired, CMPD said.

"Speed and reckless driving are factors for the driver of the Honda Accord," and no charges were filed for Weber, CMPD said.

CMPD said anyone with information about either crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.