A Statesville man has been found guilty in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the lives of three family members. On Monday, December 15, an Iredell County jury convicted 26-year-old Austin Ray Harmon of three counts of felony death by motor vehicle, three counts of felony serious injury by motor vehicle, and driving while impaired. Harmon was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison, with the sentence ranging from 20 to 29 years and five months.
The charges stem from a June 13, 2022, collision on Fort Dobbs Road near Statesville in which Harmon’s vehicle struck a golf cart carrying members of the Marlowe family. The crash resulted in the deaths of 39-year-old Michael Shane Marlowe, his 13-year-old daughter Jada, and his five-year-old son Bentley. Marlowe and Bentley died at the scene, while Jada succumbed to her injuries days later.
Three others were seriously injured in the crash, including Marlowe’s girlfriend, the couple’s two-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old family friend. The incident brought widespread attention to roadway safety and the dangers posed by vehicles on roadways where golf carts are present.
The trial spanned seven days of testimony and closing arguments. The jury reached its verdict after approximately six hours of deliberation spread over two days. In imposing the sentence, the judge considered state sentencing guidelines, victim impact statements, and evidence of aggravating and mitigating factors.
The Marlowe family expressed relief at the conclusion of the trial, noting that while no sentence can undo the tragedy, the verdict provided a measure of accountability for the devastating crash. Community members also followed the case closely, reflecting the profound impact the incident had on the Statesville area.
Officials emphasized that the case serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and adherence to traffic laws. The verdict and sentencing mark the resolution of a case that has weighed heavily on both the victims’ family and the local community.
