A drunk driver has been formally charged with causing a fatal collision that claimed the lives of a young college couple in rural North Carolina late last week. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Juan Aguilar, aged 37, was operating a truck along Amity Hill Road, situated just outside the town of Cleveland, approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte. The crash took place at around 11pm, under circumstances that have led to serious criminal allegations.
According to prosecutors, Aguilar was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crossed over the road's double yellow line. His vehicle then collided with a car being driven by Fletcher Harris, a 20-year-old student, who had his girlfriend, Skylar Provenza, aged 19, in the passenger seat. The impact was severe, resulting in both victims dying at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Bond Hearing
Aguilar now faces two counts of felony death by vehicle and one count of driving while impaired, as detailed in court documents. His bond was initially set at $250,000, but prosecutors successfully argued for a significant increase during a hearing on Tuesday.
Prosecutors contended that Aguilar presented a substantial flight risk, citing his criminal history which includes two prior failures to appear in court and a previous DWI charge. In a decisive ruling, the judge not only granted the prosecution's request but more than doubled it, setting Aguilar's bond at $5 million.
'I'm very concerned about his appearance in court and the facts of this case,' the judge stated during the hearing, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Evidence of Impairment
North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol on Aguilar's breath upon arriving at the crash site. Prosecutors noted that the smell was so potent it overwhelmed the scents of burnt rubber and oil at the scene.
Further observations included Aguilar stumbling and even falling into a trooper as he attempted to walk towards his vehicle before being handcuffed. Following the crash, Aguilar was placed on an ICE detainer, indicating that immigration authorities are assessing whether he should be taken into federal custody for potential deportation.
Remembering the Victims
Fletcher Harris was a student athlete at Catawba College, where he played on the men's soccer team. The college's athletics program released a mourning statement describing him as 'an exceptional student, a dedicated athlete, and a true friend to so many.'
Harris was pursuing a double major in Environmental Sustainability and Biology, achieving consistent recognition on the Presidential Honor Roll and Dean's List. 'Our hearts are broken,' said Alex Morais, the Catawba head men's soccer coach. 'Fletcher was profoundly loved and will be missed by everyone in our program and community.'
Skylar Provenza had recently graduated in Esthetics from Dermacademy and was preparing to begin her career at Detre Hair Co, a local hair salon. Her obituary portrayed her as 'a ball of fire' and 'a natural born leader' who 'loved with so much intention.'
The obituary also highlighted her relationship with Harris, noting, 'From the moment she met Fletcher, it was evident they were soulmates. Their love grew deeper daily, they spent their last moments together and now continue their journey eternally.' Provenza's social media reflected their loving partnership, with a recent post celebrating their one-and-a-half-year anniversary.
Ongoing Legal Process
The next court date in Aguilar's case has been scheduled for February 4. Each felony death by vehicle charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the DWI charge carries a maximum of three years. The community continues to mourn as Provenza's funeral took place on Wednesday, with Harris's funeral scheduled for Thursday.
