Statesville, NC – Austin Harmon has been found guilty of causing a deadly crash resulting in the deaths of a father and his two children. The incident occurred in June 2022 when Harmon, who had a blood alcohol level of 0.12, struck a golf cart carrying the victims.
Michael Marlowe, along with his children Bentley Marlowe, age five, and Jada Marlowe, age thirteen, died from injuries sustained in the collision. Harmon’s actions also resulted in serious injuries to Marlowe’s fiancée Amy Mills and their two-year-old daughter Bailey.
During the trial, Mills recounted the harrowing moment leading up to the crash, stating she knew they were about to be hit. Doctors later amputated part of her leg due to her injuries. Mills described the desperate attempt to save her daughter, who suffered severe injuries.
Harmon was convicted of DWI and felony serious injury by motor vehicle. The jury deliberated for six hours before reaching their verdict.
In court, Teagan Murphy, a family friend who survived the crash, expressed feelings of guilt for being alive when others were not. Michael Marlowe’s father addressed Harmon, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy on the family.
Harmon received a sentence of 20 to 30 years in prison. His attorney stated he was “inconsolable” after the crash and wished to undo the tragic events.