Man charged with DWI after fifth-grader killed, woman's leg amputated in boat accident in NC
CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The man facing charges in a deadly boating accident at Harris Lake in Chatham County on Saturday made his first court appearance Monday afternoon.
The Chatham County District Attorney, Jeff Nieman, tells ABC11 News that the charges could be elevated to second-degree murder.
According to the NC Wildlife Resource Commission (WRC), a 10-year-old girl was killed and a woman was severely injured. The woman's left leg had to be amputated, investigators say.
The man charged is 40-year-old Quinten Kight. WRC says he was operating a wake boat, pulling a tube behind, circling around, and drove the boat into a group of three swimmers, causing the girl's death and severe injuries to the woman, identified as Jennifer Stehle.
"It appeared that everybody, including Mr. Kight, were looking backwards at the person being pulled and not forwards, which contributed to where we find ourselves today. Tragically, that prop severed a leg of both of these victims," Nieman said.
Kight was charged with felony boating while impaired and misdemeanor boating while impaired. Authorities said they're awaiting the results of a blood draw conducted on Kight after the incident, which could lead to an elevated charge.
Thirty-nine empty alcohol containers on Kight's boat after the wreck and an additional 50 empty alcohol containers were found outside of the boat, according to the Chatham County District Attorney's Office.
Officers tried to do an onside sobriety test on Kight after the accident; however, investigators "Determined that he was unable to follow the instructions," Nieman said.
Sgt. Claude Smith with the NC WRC says the accident was preventable.
"It's absolutely preventable. Any time that, you know, someone gets out on the water and partakes in, you know, drinking alcohol or using any other impairing substance."
The judge set Kight's bond at $500,000 secured on the current charges.
The Victims
The girl, her mom and Stehle were swimming together as part of a group at Harris Lake.
Wake County Public School System confirms the 10-year-old girl was a fifth-grade student at West Lake Elementary and Stehle is a social worker at the same school, which is located in Apex.
The DA's office is still waiting to meet with the victim's families.
"Obviously, this is a very sad and tragic situation where we're going to definitely have those conversations, but also give them time to grieve and to process what they've been through," Nieman tells ABC11 News.
Previous Charges
ABC11 News has learned that Quinten Kight is currently out on bond for charges in another North Carolina county. Documents show he has been charged in a 2023 hit-and-run of a man who was on a motorcycle. Investigators say they found the man lying on the ground with a serious injury to his leg next to his motorcycle. They say the driver had left the scene.
The Investigation
While the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is assisting as needed and remains committed to supporting both our partners and the families affected. The sheriff says his office is also working closely with the District Attorney's Office as the case moves forward.
Monday, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office released a statement on the case:
"Our community is grieving the tragic loss of a 10-year-old child and the critical injury of a woman after they were struck by a boat at Harris Lake over the weekend."
"This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable," said Sheriff Mike Roberson. "Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever."
"We ask the public to keep the families and loved ones of those involved in your thoughts and prayers. We are also grateful to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded swiftly and courageously in an incredibly difficult situation."
For information about the ongoing investigation, please contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
