Charges filed in fatal Princeton wreck

Princeton, N.C. — The driver of a car involved in a wreck last month that killed a Princeton High School senior and a recent graduate was charged Thursday in their deaths.

Nathan Pearson, 17, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle in the Sept. 17 wreck that killed Brandon Lee Baker, 21, and Matthew Brandon Stewart, 17. He also was charged with exceeding safe speed, driving left of center and a violation of a restricted driver's license.

Authorities said Pearson's Saturn crossed the center line on Fellowship Church Road and hit a Jeep.

Pearson, another passenger in the Saturn and the 80-year-old driver of the Jeep were injured in the wreck.

Pearson was listed in good condition Thursday at WakeMed, while Rosa Wilson, the Jeep driver, was in serious condition at Duke University Hospital. Codie McConnell, the other Saturn passenger, has been released from WakeMed.

A preliminary report by the state Highway Patrol determined the Saturn was traveling at about 70 mph in a 55-mph zone before the wreck.

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This is a sad story. I don't necessarily "disagree" with the charge, but those were his friends, and he will never forget what happened that day as long as he lives, no matter what they punish him with.

Agreed that all of us get carried away with our feet on the floor. An inexperienced driver just makes that more dangerous.

familyfour
October 2, 2008 8:25 p.m.

Kids learn what they SEE! I've NEVER been to Raleigh and back when, at some point, I didn't fear for my life because of excess speeders around me, YES at 15-20 mph over the posted speed limit.. and YES, adults! These kids were raised around these roads and knew them well... just like most think they can swerve around others in and around Raleigh. He crossed the line. Yes, it was wrong and it turned out horrible, and he'll pay a great deal for it for the rest of his life... but I repeat, kids learn what they see.

Timetogo
October 2, 2008 7:40 p.m.

"...it's a shame he has to be charged."

That, unfortunately, is the chance one takes. We are all victims of the folly of our own actions, and we all pay prices for those follies.

Praying for all these families.

God bless.

Rev. RB

Spirit Warrior Woman - Rev. RB
October 2, 2008 7:21 p.m.

How many of us young and old have driven down roads everyday? We think we know these roads better then anyone. These kids drove down this road everyday sometimes two or three times. I think the age should be raised for our kids to drive but the point is without time and experience all these kids have are God. Its a bad situation and my heart goes out to All the families and friends.

"Before anyone throws stones at this guy, think about the last time you went over the speed limit. We all do it at times! It was a tragic situation and my heart goes out to all of the families involved."

How many of us are dumb enough to be driving 15 mph over the posted limit on a 2 lane curved road? As I have commented on this story once before, I see the way people in this age gorup drive around where I work every day. These accidents WILL continue if they continue to drive the way they do. I've not read anything one way or the other, but does anyone know if alcohol was involved this time? "

beckylayhew2
October 2, 2008 7:16 p.m.

"Before anyone throws stones at this guy, think about the last time you went over the speed limit. We all do it at times! It was a tragic situation and my heart goes out to all of the families involved."

How many of us are dumb enough to be driving 15 mph over the posted limit on a 2 lane curved road? As I have commented on this story once before, I see the way people in this age gorup drive around where I work every day. These accidents WILL continue if they continue to drive the way they do. I've not read anything one way or the other, but does anyone know if alcohol was involved this time?

vetinari83
October 2, 2008 6:45 p.m.