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4:48 p.m. • 2-22-12

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Teen driver charged with DWI in fatal Raleigh wreck


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Garrett Prince
Garrett Prince

A 16-year-old Millbrook High School student faces several charges, including felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired, after his 17-year-old passenger was killed in a car wreck over the weekend.

Elizabeth Molloy, also a Millbrook student, died just after 2 a.m. Saturday after, 16-year-old Garrett Prince, lost control of his 1999 Jeep SUV near the intersection of Rainwater Road and North Ridge Drive in Raleigh.

A wreck report states that the Jeep was traveling 75 mph in a 30 mph zone, and witnesses said they saw the SUV run up on the curb, hit a mailbox and then crash into a tree.

Prince, who was treated for injuries at WakeMed, also faces charges of provisional DWI, careless and reckless driving, having an open container of spirituous liquor, speeding and possession of marijuana.

He was in the Wake County jail Saturday evening under a $26,000 bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for Monday.

Meanwhile Saturday, Millbrook students and friends gathered at the crash site for a candlelight vigil to remember Molloy.

Best friend Erin Plummer, who had been with Molloy and Prince at a restaurant hours earlier for dinner, said Molloy wanted to go to Harvard University and dreamed of becoming a lawyer.

She said she knew her friend would have wanted people to smile.

"(I) know Liz would be down here wearing glitter, right now, because that's just who she is," Plummer said. "She'd want us to be happy. She's the most outgoing, happy person I know."

Mourners released a balloon in Molloy's memory.

"There was so much love here tonight, and just all around," Plummer said. "That's just a little symbol for our love for her."

Jared Sink, who lives in the neighborhood, witnessed the crash and pulled Malloy from the burning SUV, returned to the crash scene for the vigil to show his support.

"I think it says we respond strongly and support each other," he said.

Awakened by the crash, he and other neighbors rushed to help the teenagers.

"Fire had already started under the vehicle," Steven Hughes said.

"I went up there and got my water hose and started spraying," added John Dew.

Dew called 911, while Sink said a prayer.

"(It's) just absolutely tragic," Sink said. "To all the young people out there, there's no taxi that's more expensive than someone's life."

Grief counselors will be available to Millbrook High students Monday morning, Wake County schools Superintendent Tony Tata said Sunday.

"The Millbrook High community and all of us in the Wake County Public School System were saddened to learn of the death of one of our students, Elizabeth Molloy, and the injury of another in a vehicle crash early Saturday morning," he said in a statement. "All of our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and loved ones."

RELATED TOPICS: Millbrook, Wake County schools, Wake County, Raleigh, Public Schools

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A 16 Year Old Out At 2 a.m., that's got to be a mistake

So sad that an innocent life was lost. Theres no way i would've gotten in the car with someone drinking i would've drove and if he didn't let me i'd called for another ride home. And a 16 y/o drinking? Where did he get the alcohol from? Someone had to give it to him or buy it for him!

So many things were just wrong here

This kid was a train wreck just looking for a place to happen

You can't know what your kids are doing every minute of the day but I think the parents should be held accountable for this 16 year old walking felony.

"you missed the point again. the point was 'why do they even drink the mess to begin with'. it'd be different it was a so delicious; then you might could see the appeal, but to drink something awful just becuase it's the "cool" thing to do is plain stupid." JAT---I wonder the same thing about smoking..but many kids are stupid and do that too (I did when I was young but thankfully quit)

This is just a terrible thing to read. I lost several friends back in HS from DWI related accidents. I always acted as designated driver and honestly still do. So many people of all ages, professions, and intelligence levels get a little alcohol into their blood and suddenly are invincible and believe the fantasy that they can do anything safely behind the wheel. Just tragic. We have SOOOO many DWI/DUI accidents in this area. Maybe it is time to start holding the bars and liquer stores liable as well. They did that in MO and the rate dropped! AND the person who gave this kid the alcohol too!

"Why has the RPD not charged Prince's parents? He is a minor and they are responsible for him. I think this is one of the best cases I have ever seen that screams "Death Penalty."--

Charge them with what? Failure to do right? Have you bothered to have an understanding of the laws in this State before posting this?

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