Two people charged in connection to deadly crash in Leland

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Two people have been charged in the Feb. 18 crash that took the life of one person in Leland.

In a press release, District Attorney Jon David announced Deputy Nathan Kye and Antoine Graham have both been charged in the deadly crash that killed Cora Cartrette.

“Kye was responding to assist another deputy who was allegedly chasing a vehicle driven by Antoine Graham near Blackwell Road,” David said.

According to court documents, a citation was issued on March 16 for Kye.

The citation states that on Feb. 18, Kye “unlawfully and willfully (G.S. 20-141.4(A2)) unintentionally cause the death of Cora Cartrette.”

Kye’s charges are:

• Fail to stop-steady red light
• Misdemeanor death by vehicle.

The District Attorney’s Office says the Brunswick County Grand Jury indicted Antoine Graham for:

• Felony speed to elude arrest with aggravators causing death
• Felony identity theft
• Driving while impaired
• Driving while license revoked not impaired revocation
• Reckless driving to endanger
• Resisting public officer
• Possession of marijuana up to ½ ounce
• Fail to maintain lane control

Graham is currently being held under a $1 million bond.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) incident report released on March 6 found Kye was in pursuit of a vehicle in the area with his emergency lights and siren activated when he crashed into 45-year-old Cora Cartrette’s car.

The report states Kye was traveling at an estimated speed of 75mph at impact. His original traveling speed was 90mph.

Cartrette died at the scene.

“My office has been in contact with the Cartrette family, and our deepest condolences and prayers go out to her friends, loved ones, and the Leland community,” David said. “The DA’s office is unable to comment further as this remains an ongoing investigation and has resulted in pending cases in the criminal justice system.”

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office provided a statement on the charges:

“We will release a statement at a later time. Deputy Kye remains on medical leave. As we previously confirmed, yes we are conducting an internal investigation that is ongoing regarding the incident.”