Holly Springs, NC – A 16-year-old has been indicted on murder charges following a fatal collision while allegedly driving under the influence. Ashton Rahlfs was involved in an incident that resulted in the death of 14-year-old Max Dunham on October 26.
Rahlfs initially faced charges for driving while impaired and driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21. The indictment now includes second-degree murder, death by vehicle, and serious injury by vehicle.
The crash occurred when Rahlfs struck Dunham while he was riding his bike and then collided head-on with a Honda Civic driven by 20-year-old Brandon Russell. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 1:40 a.m. to find Dunham deceased and Russell seriously injured.
Rahlfs was reportedly driving a Honda Passport SUV with two other teenagers inside. He was speeding and found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.11 after the accident, according to police reports.
Witnesses described hearing a loud crash and the sound of screaming at the time of the collision. Local authorities stated that there were several cans of Twisted Tea found in Rahlfs’ vehicle, both opened and unopened.
Rahlfs remains in custody at Wake County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is set for December 1.