NASH COUNTY, N.C. — More serious charges were brought against a tractor trailer driver allegedly involved in a double fatal wreck on Christmas Eve.

Roy Jones Jr., who was driving an 18-wheeler on Interstate 95 in Nash County, was originally charged with two counts of traffic misdemeanor death by vehicle in the deaths of Delinwood and Janet Pearson.

The charges against Jones were upgraded to two counts of felony involuntary manslaughter. The changes were made over the holiday weekend, and were filed on Tuesday. Jones has court appearance scheduled for Thursday.

The Pearsons died when the Corvette they were in ran off the road, became airborne and hit a pillar on a bridge. Both died instantly.

Immediately after the wreck, authorities searched for a truck fitting the description that left the scene and later arrested Jones, 38, who is from Hinesville, Ga.

Previous stories:

December 24, 2004:

Driver, Passenger Identified In Christmas Eve Wreck

December 24, 2004:

Two Killed In Apparent Hit-And-Run On I-95