On a quiet Sunday night in Wayne County, a devastating high-speed chase ended in tragedy: a 17-year-old driver lost control of a Ford Mustang and crashed into a tree on Pinkney Road, killing two back‑seat passengers and injuring two others.
It all began around 11:26 p.m., when a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper spotted a blue Mustang hurtling down U.S. 70 at more than 120 mph. Despite activating lights and sirens, troopers say the driver refused to pull over, triggering a tense multi-county chase into Johnston County before looping back into Wayne County.
Radio traffic reportedly captured by Broadcastify revealed moments of utter chaos: the cruiser called in that the Mustang’s lights would flicker on and off, compounding the danger of the late-night pursuit. Then, near Kenly on Pinkney Road, the driver apparently lost control — the car veered off and slammed into a tree.
When officers arrived, they found two of the back-seat passengers had been ejected from the vehicle. Sadly, 18‑year-old Joshua Jerome Carter Jr., of Dudley, and 16-year-old Braylen Newson, of Pikeville, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other teens — the 17-year-old driver and a 16‑year-old front-seat passenger — survived. Both were strapped in with seat belts and were rushed to UNC Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro with injuries that troopers say are not life-threatening.
But the tragedy doesn’t end at the crash. Investigators soon discovered alcohol and marijuana inside the wrecked car — and two firearms. Troopers now suspect the driver may have been impaired, and they’ve taken him and his passenger into custody. Authorities say criminal charges are expected.
This incident has stirred up renewed debate over high-speed chases in North Carolina. Under current Highway Patrol policy, troopers can pursue a suspect when they believe there’s a threat to public safety. But they’re also required to weigh several risk factors — like traffic levels, road type, time of day, and weather — and supervisors have the power to call off a chase if it becomes too dangerous.
For the families and the Wayne County community, the loss is profound. Joshua and Braylen were just teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them. Their sudden, violent deaths have left loved ones reeling, mourning two young souls taken far too early. As the investigation continues, officials say their top priorities are ensuring accountability, supporting the bereaved families, and preventing anything like this from happening again.
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