BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
October 5, 2004
On Friday, September 24th, 2004, at approximately 10:01 PM, an accident occurred on West Church Street near Farmer Drive in Benson. A 15 year old, Raymond Adam Byrd, of West Church Street in Benson, fell from a moving vehicle, and sustained serious and grave injuries.
He was transported to Duke University Hospital in Durham for treatment, and placed on life support machines. On October 2, 2004, all life support measures were ended, and Mr. Byrd succumbed to his injuries.
The initial investigation into this incident showed that the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle, Justin William Hart of Clayton, was not careless or reckless in any way. Excessive speed was also not an issue. The subsequent investigation, which is still underway, has revealed that alcohol, and possible drug use by passengers in the vehicle was a factor in this tragic accident. Once a final opinion is given by the Johnston County District Attorney's Office, all appropriate criminal charges will be filed, and another Press Release will be issued.
No additional information will be provided, until that time.