Apex driver faces 19 charges after deadly cyclist crash

Apex driver faces 19 charges after deadly cyclist crash By Elaina Athans Monday, November 9, 2026 11:30PM Prosecutors alleged that the 76-year-old man was under the influence Saturday when he drove into a group of 30 cyclists, killing one and injuring 20. RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There was a strong show of support from the cycling community, which filled three rows of a courtroom, as 76-year-old Donald Morris-Jones of Apex appeared in court on 19 charges, including driving while impaired and nine counts of felony hit-and-run, in connection with a crash that prosecutors say killed one cyclist and injured 20 others. During the hearing, Judge Mark Stevens outlined the potential penalties Morris-Jones could face. "The total maximum punishment is 1,089 months in prison plus three years plus 60 days," Stevens said. When Morris-Jones asked how much time that amounted to, Stevens later replied, "Somewhere around 112 years in prison." Prosecutors alleged in court that Morris-Jones was under the influence Saturday morning when he drove into a group of 30 cyclists. Authorities said one person was killed and 20 others were injured. According to Wake County Assistant District Attorney Mary Mangum, Morris-Jones continued driving after the collision. "Ultimately, this defendant kept driving and was located approximately one-half mile down the road. After running off the roadway down there," Mangum said. Prosecutors said Morris-Jones' black Infiniti came to rest after striking a ditch. The cyclist who died was identified as 63-year-old Patrick Turner. A makeshift memorial has been placed near the crash site. Turner was described as a strong cyclist who rode weekly with the Capital Cycling Club. RELATED | Cyclists react to deadly crash: 'Completely senseless' Capital Cycling Club President Tim Charlino said he was riding with the group when the crash occurred and described the aftermath. "There was blood and mangled bikes and twisted bodies. People were moaning. It was pretty bad," Charlino said. Flu-related deaths rise in NC as state reports 9 deaths, doctors warn peak is still ahead 1 hour ago Apex driver faces 19 charges after deadly cyclist crash 31 minutes ago Frost Advisory tonight into the morning 6 minutes ago Charlino said the defendant's mirror clipped him before the crash and recalled the sound of the impact. "It was loud. I mean, it was, it was just shockingly loud," he said. "I was pretty lucky I escaped by inches," he said. Charlino also said several injured cyclists continued helping others at the scene despite their own injuries. "There were several people who were injured, who were still helping, with everything that day; helping to clean up, helping to get people situated. And they themselves were injured and worse than we thought," Charlino said. The Capital Cycling Club president said six victims remained hospitalized with serious injuries following the crash. One injured cyclist briefly spoke by phone Monday before heading into surgery. A memorial for Turner is planned at a later date. Morris-Jones remains jailed on a $1 million bond. Download the ABC11 News app Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics APEX WAKE COUNTY CYCLING CRASH CAR CRASH FATAL CRASH HIT & RUN DRIVING COURT U.S. & WORLD TRAFFIC FATALITIES BICYCLE CRASH Watch Live ON NOW Flu-related deaths rise in NC, respiratory illnesses increase 1 hour ago Frost Advisory tonight into the morning 6 minutes ago Black Friday Deals are here. Should you buy now or wait? 35 minutes ago Elderly NC woman dies from gunshot after police respond to a fall call NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program Trump says he'd 'stand by' Hegseth even if he's impeached 33 minutes ago Supreme Court clears way for border wall construction in Texas’s Big Bend to resume 3 hours ago OSU suspends frat while investigating video of men engulfed in flames