Megan Symone Scott, 31, is facing three counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the deaths of her three young sons after an alleged high-speed chase that ended when she crashed into a tree at 111 mph in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Background
The tragedy began as a domestic violence incident on June 3 in the 100 block of S. Eastern Boulevard in Fayetteville, according to an arrest affidavit. Scott and her boyfriend were arguing over money he wanted to send to one of his other children when she allegedly bit him on the arm while they sat in her car. He exited the vehicle, and police say Scott then drove toward him. The boyfriend attempted to get out of her way but ended up on the car's hood before falling to the ground. He fled before she could injure him further, according to authorities.
Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Scott related to the domestic violence incident. During a subsequent traffic stop, they ordered her to exit the car. Instead, police say Scott accelerated and struck two officers, who sustained minor injuries. She fled in her Kia Forte with her three children inside, traveling at speeds reaching 111 mph.
As she traveled down State Road 53, Scott crossed the centerline and overcorrected, causing her vehicle to leave the road before smashing into a tree. Both Scott and two of her sons were ejected from the car. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene while a third was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.
The Investigation
The three victims have been identified as Jae'Coda Thomas, 3, Ju'Mari Thomas, 6, and Jack Thomas, 8. According to police, none of the children were wearing seat belts or secured in car seats at the time of the crash, despite state law requiring children under age 8 to be properly restrained.
Scott remains held in the Cumberland County Jail without bond. She faces three counts of involuntary manslaughter along with multiple other charges related to the chase and assault on officers.
The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses. "The pain and grief we are experiencing is unimaginable, and we are struggling to find the strength to move forward," according to the fundraising page.
Key Takeaways
- Scott allegedly reached speeds of 111 mph while fleeing police with her three children unsecured in the vehicle
- Two officers sustained minor injuries when Scott struck them during her attempted escape
- All three children were ejected from the vehicle upon impact; none were wearing seat belts or seated in car seats
- The boys, ages 3, 6, and 8, were pronounced dead at the scene or died shortly after being airlifted to a hospital
- Scott is charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and multiple other offenses
What's Next
Scott is scheduled to appear in court on July 7. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.