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Published: 2012-06-04 17:00:00
Updated: 2012-06-04 18:59:59

Raleigh man charged in hit-and-run that killed Warren teen


Cody Flowers
Cody Flowers
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A Raleigh man surrendered to police Monday in connection with a hit-and-run last month that killed a Warren County teen.

Corey Champion, 28, of 3525 Dewing Drive, was charged with felony hit-and-run, misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and driving with license revoked. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

Cody Flowers, 15, was walking along northbound U.S. Highway 1 in Norlina, returning home from a friend's house,on May 19 when a vehicle crossed the center line, struck him and didn't stop, leaving him on the side of the highway, authorities said.

Flowers suffered several skull fractures and a broken right arm in the crash and was in a medically induced coma at Duke University Hospital in Durham for three days before dying.

A driver-side mirror was found at the wreck site.

"There's no way that he could have known what hit him," said Flowers' mother, Susan Walker. "I really want the person who did this to tell me the truth of what happened. Regardless of the outcome, I really want the truth of what happened."

Champion declined to comment Monday. His driving record includes a 2005 conviction for reckless driving and a 2008 conviction for driving while impaired.

Walker said she passes the spot where her son was hit almost daily. An impromptu memorial of flowers and personal mementos has sprung up there.

"Every day, it's as if I see him lying here," she said as she clutched the clothes he was wearing the night he was run over. "It's not just a mother's son. It's a mother's best friend. It's a mother's companion, and I'm pretty lost trying to figure out what to do."


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May God Bless you and your family. I too lost my only son. You never completely get over it, but it gets easier to deal with. My peace of mind comes in knowing God needed an Angel. I hope this man pays for what he did. His turning himself in shows he has a heart.

Glad they got the guy who caused so much pain.

@ rachel YEP! last year my cousin was hit and left in the street. this happened the very week that my grandmother passed away. Dude was drunk, way drunk. had bottles in the car from when he was drinking, car smelled of liquor and beer. No liscense, and in the country illegally. still don't know what the verdict was. 8 years ago another cousin of mine was hit my a driver who was driving speeding, hit and run too! If i'm not mistaken that driver wasn't suppose to be driving a vehicle either. What in the world? Sad thing is, there is hardly a way to catch these folks until something tragic happens.

You have my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your son. I lost my son in a tragedy in January of 2010 and the one thing that has helped and gave me comfort is Compassionate Friends. It is a national organization serving every state. You will receive hugs of understanding and friendship. They can understand your pain for they have been there too. I wish you peace and comfort. Becky Loflin Marty's Mama

this is a sad story, my son was friends with cody and he still is grieving in his own way..he lisens to a song that reminds him of cody at least once a day,my daughter has a notebook in memory of cody that she writes or draws in..i know my kids are missing there lil friend as are so many other friends and family of cody.this is something that should have never happened....i just want to say how great wral has been following this story all of the family and residents of warren co are really thankful for that

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