Mary Elizabeth Rotunda : “Bars under investigation for fatal crash in Greensboro”

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has announced that seven additional individuals have been charged in connection to an underage crash in Chapel Hill that tragically resulted in the death of a UNC-Chapel Hill student.

The incident took place on Jan. 21, when the Chapel Hill Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash on N.C. Highway 54 near W. Barbee Chapel Road. Alcohol was identified as a contributing factor in the crash, prompting the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) to launch an investigation immediately.

During the course of the investigation, ALE special agents uncovered that the underage occupants in the vehicle, including 20-year-old Mary Elizabeth Rotunda who lost her life in the crash, were served alcohol at Still Life and Might as Well, both establishments located on Franklin Street.

Charges Filed

The following individuals have been charged in connection to the incident:

• Karissa Webb, 22, an employee of Still Life, faces three counts of selling/giving alcohol to minors.
• Annelle McNair, 24, an employee of Still Life, has been charged with five counts of selling/giving alcohol to minors.

• Malaki Hamrick, 19, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol.
• Travis Shaw, 19, faces charges of underage possession/consumption of alcohol, aiding/abetting underage possession/consumption of alcohol, and an outstanding arrest order for failing to appear in Durham County.
• Cameren Spencer, 20, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol and providing alcohol to individuals under 21.
• Caden Spender, 22, faces six counts of aiding/abetting underage possession/consumption of alcohol.
• Maliyah Pellum, 19, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol and aiding/abetting underage possession/consumption of alcohol.

NCDPS officials have indicated that a report detailing the investigative findings will be submitted to the ABC Commission. The Commission may opt to impose sanctions on the establishments involved, including fines, suspensions, or revocation of alcohol licenses.

Recent Developments

Earlier this week, three individuals were also charged in connection to the crash. Flemeeja Beatrice Brewer, the driver of the vehicle, 20, Brianna Tiera Pinson, 21, one of the passengers, and Zachary O’Brien Rice, the driver of another vehicle involved in the incident, have all been arrested.

Brewer is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 19, while Pinson and Rice are set to appear on March 7.

The Chapel Hill Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all those affected.