Megan Symone Scott, 31, has been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter after police say she fled from officers at speeds reaching 111 mph with her three children unsecured in the vehicle, ultimately crashing into a tree and killing all three boys.
Background
The deadly incident began as a domestic dispute 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 inside her car.
After biting him, Scott got out of the vehicle and began driving toward him, police said. He attempted to move out of the way but ended up on the hood of her Kia Forte before falling to the ground. He fled the area before she could injure him further, according to investigators.
Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Scott related to the domestic violence incident. During a subsequent traffic stop, police ordered her to exit the vehicle. Instead, she allegedly accelerated away from officers, striking two of them and causing minor injuries during the pursuit, the affidavit stated.
The Investigation
With her three children—Jae'Coda Thomas, 3; Ju'Mari Thomas, 6; and Jack Thomas, 8—inside the Kia Forte, Scott fled at high speeds down State Road 53. As she crossed the centerline, she overcorrected and left the roadway before striking a tree at approximately 111 mph.
Scott was ejected from the vehicle along with two of her sons. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene while a third was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officers determined that none of the three children were wearing seat belts or secured in car seats as required by law at the time of the crash.
Scott has been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of assault on a government official, reckless driving to endanger, felony hit and run, and resisting arrest. She remains in custody at the Cumberland County Jail without bond.
Key Takeaways
- Scott allegedly bit her boyfriend during a domestic dispute before attempting to strike him with her vehicle as he fled
- Two officers suffered minor injuries when she accelerated away from a traffic stop after being ordered out of the car
- Police say none of the three children were wearing seat belts or secured in car seats despite their young ages
- The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses
What's Next
Scott is scheduled to appear in court on July 7. She remains held at the Cumberland County Jail without bond as she awaits prosecution on the charges.