Mary Elizabeth Rotunda : “Chapel Hill Crash: Bars Under Investigation”

CHAPLE HILL, N.C. – In a tragic incident, a UNC-Chapel Hill student lost their life in an underage crash in Chapel Hill. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has announced that seven individuals have been charged in connection with the incident.

The Chapel Hill Police Department responded to the single-vehicle crash on N.C. Highway 54 near W. Barbee Chapel Road on January 21. Alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor in the accident, prompting the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) to launch an immediate investigation, according to NCDPS officials.

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

Charges and Individuals Involved

The following individuals have been charged in connection with this incident:

• Karissa Webb, 22, an employee of Still Life, has been charged with three counts of selling/giving alcohol to underage individuals.
• Annelle McNair, 24, an employee of Still Life, has been charged with five counts of selling/giving alcohol to underage individuals.
• Malaki Hamrick, 19, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol.

• Travis Shaw, 19, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol, five counts of aiding/abetting underage possession/consumption of alcohol, and an outstanding order for arrest related to possession of marijuana, underage possession of alcoholic beverages, and unauthorized possession.
• Cameren Spencer, 20, has been charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol and two counts of giving malt beverages or unfortified wine to individuals under 21 years old.
• Caden Spender, 22, has been charged with 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 stated that a report of the investigative findings will be submitted to the ABC Commission. The commission will then decide whether to impose fines, suspend, or revoke the alcohol licenses of Still Life and Might as Well.

Additional Charges and Arrests

In addition to the individuals mentioned above, three more people have been charged in relation to this crash. Flemeeja Beatrice Brewer, 20, the driver of the vehicle, and Brianna Tiera Pinson, 21, one of the passengers, have both been charged. Chapel Hill police have also arrested Zachary O’Brien Rice, the driver of a separate vehicle.

Upcoming Court Appearances

Flemeeja Beatrice Brewer is scheduled to appear in court on February 19, while Brianna Tiera Pinson and Zachary O’Brien Rice are scheduled for March 7.