🚨 BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:
🚨 Racing Sisters Charged For Crash That Killed Three High School Football Players
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- A Fayetteville community is in mourning after three high school football players were killed in an October 8 crash that police say was caused by two sisters racing down Rosehill Road.
19-year-old Destini Genwright appeared in court Wednesday on charges related to the crash. Investigators say she and her sister, 21-year-old Dymond Monroe, were racing each other when Monroe lost control of her Honda Civic, veered off the roadway, and crashed.
The wreck claimed the lives of 18-year-old Jai-Hyon Elliot and 17-year-olds Nicholas Williams and Trevor Merritt, all students at E.E. Smith High School. Monroe was critically injured in the crash.
Court documents indicate that Genwright was driving 76 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone at the time.
According to friends who spoke with ABC 11, the three victims were close friends with the sisters’ younger brother, Devyn, and were on their way to surprise him for his 18th birthday party when the crash occurred.
“All they wanted to do was surprise their best friend on his 18th birthday,” one friend, Lewis, wrote on Facebook. “Please pray for Devyn as well. He will never celebrate his birthday again.”
The three teens, who played on the E.E. Smith High School football team alongside Devyn, were honored before a recent game when teammates carried their jerseys — numbers 4, 11, and 21 — onto the field in remembrance.
Family and friends shared heartbreaking tributes on social media following the tragedy.
“Trev, you are already so very missed and forever loved,” wrote relative Taunita Stephenson. “You had that big smile, that cool demeanor. I feel gratitude for your presence and heartbreak for your absence.”
Merritt, who would have turned 18 on October 30, was remembered by his family as a kind, determined young man with a bright future.
“He had such a bright future ahead of him,” wrote his uncle, Lamaar Merritt II.
“God, they all with you now,” his father, Jamaar Merritt, posted, alongside a photo of the three boys.
“I’m still asking if this is a dream,” added his stepmother, Jonquil Merritt.
The crash has deeply affected not only the victims’ families but also the broader Fayetteville community and first responders.
“It affects everyone involved,” said Fayetteville Assistant Police Chief Todd Joyce. “From the 911 call to the officers, the medical personnel, and the firefighters — everyone who came to the scene that night.”
Both sisters face four misdemeanor charges each, including racing, speeding, reckless driving, and an insurance violation.
Monroe, who remains hospitalized, faces three additional felony counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the deaths of the students.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This devastating crash highlights the severe consequences of street racing and reckless driving, especially among young adults. According to court documents, Destini Genwright was driving well above the speed limit—76 mph in a 45-mph zone—when the accident occurred. Excessive speeding significantly increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, which tragically happened when Dymond Monroe lost control of her Honda Civic. Fatal crashes involving racing often result not only in loss of lives but deeply impact families and local communities. Beyond the immediate tragic loss, such accidents remind us of the importance of traffic laws designed to protect all road users. Reckless behaviors such as racing, speeding, and distracted driving are preventable causes of many fatal accidents nationwide. The heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and teammates underscore the profound emotional toll these losses take on communities. For the Fayetteville community, the memory of Jai-Hyon Elliot, Nicholas Williams, and Trevor Merritt is being kept alive through jersey tributes and social media memorials. This incident also shines light on the critical role of first responders who must manage these traumatic scenes. From police officers to emergency medical personnel and firefighters, their involvement is essential yet emotionally challenging. Ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will determine final accountability. The sisters face charges that include racing, reckless driving, speeding, and involuntary manslaughter. These charges reflect how seriously the judicial system views such negligence and the devastating outcomes it causes. Incidents like this serve as a somber reminder for communities to promote safe driving habits, educate youth on traffic safety, and enforce laws strictly to prevent further tragedies. Drivers should always be mindful of speed limits and the potential consequences of their actions on and off the road.
