Police To Charge 2 After Fatal Crash Involving A Stolen Car

CHARLOTTE, NC — A man accused by police of being behind the wheel of a stolen car and his passenger are facing charges after the vehicle they were in crashed into and killed another driver before dawn Sunday morning.

The fatal accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on March 8, in the 3300 block of Wilkinson Boulevard, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

According to a CMPD report of the incident, an investigation revealed that James Nelson Winston was driving the 2014 Acura ILX, which was reported stolen in early February, when it slammed into a 2007 Toyota Camry as it was making a left turn from Wilkinson Boulevard onto Donald Ross Road.

Police identified the driver of the Toyota as Nigel Mandingo Brown, 21. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

Responding officers called to the crash site found both vehicles, however, Winston — the driver of the Acura — had fled the scene before their arrival. He left behind a passenger in the stolen Acura, who was identified by police as Tyrek Boyd and transported to atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center-Main hospital for treatment of injuries.

Later, Winston sought treatment of his injuries at the same hospital, where he was then charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

“The investigation further determined that Winston was driving while impaired, his license was in a revoked status, and he had an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle,” CMPD said. “Excessive speed, recklessness and alcohol are contributing factors in this crash for Winston. Speed is not a factor for Nigel Brown and alcohol test results are pending.”

Upon Winston’s release from the hospital, he will be charged on arrest warrants for 2nd degree murder; felony death by motor vehicle; felony hit and run; possession of a stolen motor vehicle; reckless driving; driving while license revoked; possession of marijuana and open container of liquor, CMPD said.

Boyd was charged with possession of alcohol by a person under 21.

CMPD said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing as asks that anyone with information about the crash call CMPD Detective Crum at 704-432-2169, ext 4; or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.