A Lyft driver charged with murder is accused of speeding over 90 MPH before slamming into a Detroit warehouse, killing a North Carolina teacher and her husband.
A rideshare trip meant to take a North Carolina couple to a religious event ended in horror — and now a Lyft driver is sitting behind bars facing double murder charges.
Authorities in Detroit say 40-year-old Theopris Mays, originally of Herndon, Virginia, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, reckless driving causing death, and leaving the scene of an at-fault accident causing death.
Prosecutors say Mays was behind the wheel when he allegedly sped through the city at more than 90 miles per hour before slamming into the Cardinal Health warehouse on Rosa Parks Boulevard — killing 57-year-old Carla Boynton, a beloved Health and Physical Education teacher at Durham School of Technology, and her husband, 60-year-old Andre Boynton.
According to reports, Mays had picked the couple up from a hotel on Mercury Drive. They were headed to a religious event at Huntington Place when everything went tragically wrong.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Craigo told the court that Mays was allegedly speeding for nearly 10 miles, ignoring traffic control devices, driving over 90 mph just five seconds before impact and failing to brake before crashing.
Prosecutors say the impact was so violent that it killed the couple instantly.
Prosecutors: Driver Ran From Scene
As if the crash itself wasn’t shocking enough, officials say Mays fled the scene on foot.
Authorities allege he was later found hiding inside another vehicle after a bystander spotted him and called 911. He was arrested shortly after.
His attorney claims Mays may have suffered a brain bleed, suggesting a medical episode could have influenced his actions after the crash.
Mays is currently being held in the Wayne County Jail in Michigan on a $500,000 cash/surety bond.
He is scheduled to return to court on February 27 for a bond review hearing. A probable cause hearing is set for May 5.
Lyft Responds
In a statement, Lyft said:
“Our hearts are broken by this unimaginable loss. We extend our condolences to the riders’ family, friends, and loved ones and have reached out to offer our support. The driver is permanently removed from the Lyft platform and we are cooperating with law enforcement.”
Remembering Carla & Andre Boynton
Carla Boynton wasn’t just a teacher — she was described as a pillar at Durham School of Technology, where she had officially taught Health and Physical Education for three years but had long-standing ties with staff and students.
Her husband, Andre Boynton, was known as an active and respected community leader.
