The man charged in a Wake County crash early Saturday morning that left a 11-year-old dead and three other people injured appeared in court Tuesday morning.
According to the State Highway Patrol, troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on NC Highway 96 near Doyle Road in Wake County. Troopers said a 2017 Ford Escape SUV was traveling south on NC 96 near Doyle Road when it drifted left of center, then drove off the roadway to the left and hit a tree.
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Troopers said the driver of the SUV, 40-year-old Correll Jermaine Deans, left the scene after the crash.
Five people were in the SUV when it crashed: Deans, 35-year-old Fenesia De Andre Daniel, and three children.
One of the children, 11-year-old Miking Daniel, died at the scene.
Fenesia Daniel, 7-year-old Christopher Daniel and 4-year-old Onyx Daniel were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Troopers said they found Deans Saturday morning with assistance from the Wake County Sheriff's Office. Deans was then taken to WakeMed for his injuries.
Deans is facing nine other charges, including:
- Three counts of felony hit-and-run, causing serious injury or death
- Two counts of misdemeanor child abuse
- Misdemeanor death by vehicle
Deans was also served with an outstanding warrant for pending charges in Nash County:
- Felony possession of heroin.
- Misdemeanor drug paraphernalia.
According to warrants, two of the children were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Additionally, Deans is facing a driving infraction for driving left of center on a single-lane road.
In court Tuesday, he was appointed a public defender, and his case was continued to Sept. 28.
Deans is being held at the Wake County Jail on a $1 million bond. Highway Patrol said more charges are possible.