Fayetteville driver, sister charged in crash that killed 3 E.E. Smith HS students

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The driver in a crash that killed three E.E. Smith High School students was street racing with her sister, Fayetteville Police told ABC11.

Both women are now facing numerous charges, Fayetteville Police said Tuesday afternoon.

The Oct. 8 crash happened on Rosehill Road shortly after 7 p.m. It claimed the lives of Nicholas Williams, 17, Trevor Merritt, 17, and Jai-Hyon Elliott, 18. All three were football players at E. E. Smith.



Dymond Nekiya Monroe, 21, of Fayetteville, who was critically injured and the lone survivor of the crash, was charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter, willful speed competition, speeding, careless and reckless driving, and insurance violation.



FPD Traffic Unit officers said they identified a 2023 Dodge Charger traveling on Rosehill Road with Monroe at the time of the crash. The Charger was seized by the FPD's Traffic Unit.



Its driver, Destini Rhinada Genwright, 19, of Fayetteville, who is Monroe's younger sister, was charged with willful speed competition, speeding, careless and reckless driving, and insurance violation.

Genwright turned herself into the Cumberland County Detention Center Tuesday. She was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

Destini Rhinada Genwright faces charges in Fayetteville crash that killed three high school students.

Photo | Fayetteville Police Department



Monroe remains hospitalized at a medical facility.



Friends told ABC11 that the sisters were heading to their younger brother's surprise 18th birthday party when the crash happened. The brother was a teammate of the three students who died.

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The deadly incident remains under active investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective C. Lewis at (910) 818-1872. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically.

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