HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – A 16-year-old Holly Springs High School student was officially indicted for second-degree murder in a horrific DUI crash that killed a 14-year-old freshman and left another teen fighting for his life.
According to the Holly Springs Police Department, the crash happened around 1:40 a.m. on Oct. 26 along Avent Ferry Road. Investigators say 16-year-old Ashton Henry Rahlfs was behind the wheel of a 2021 Honda Passport SUV — impaired, speeding, and driving recklessly — before taking the life of 14-year-old Max Dunham, a fellow Holly Springs High School student who was riding his bicycle that night.
Police say Rahlfs struck Max first, killing the 14-year-old on impact. The young teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
But the crash didn’t stop there.
After hitting Max, police say Rahlfs crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a 2008 Honda Civic driven by 19-year-old Brandon Russell. Russell suffered multiple broken bones and fractures, according to his mother, and has undergone several surgeries. He remains hospitalized weeks later.
Holly Springs Police Chief Paul Liquorie didn’t mince words during a press conference Wednesday night. Investigators analyzed vehicle data and determined Rahlfs had been driving carelessly and recklessly “for a significant period” before the crash.
Chief Liquorie said:
“The speed of his vehicle was more than double the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit.”
Police also confirmed the 16-year-old had a blood alcohol content of .11, nearly twice the legal limit for adults — and any amount of alcohol is illegal for a minor behind the wheel. Open alcoholic beverages were also found inside Rahlfs’ SUV.
GRAND JURY MOVES FORWARD WITH FELONY CHARGES
Rahlfs was initially arrested after the crash on multiple misdemeanor driving offenses.
But following weeks of investigation — and the devastating impact on two families — a Wake County grand jury on Tuesday handed down indictments for:
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Second-degree murder
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Felony death by vehicle
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Felony serious injury by vehicle
Court records show he was also separately indicted on the original driving offenses.
