Megan Symone Scott allegedly drove at 111 miles per hour while fleeing from police with her three young sons unsecured in the vehicle, ultimately crashing into a tree and killing all three children, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.
Background
The catastrophic chain of events began on June 3 in the 100 block of S. Eastern Boulevard in Fayetteville, North Carolina, when Scott and her boyfriend got into a heated argument over money he wanted to send to one of his other children, the affidavit said. The dispute allegedly escalated when Scott bit her boyfriend on the arm while they sat inside a vehicle.
After biting him, Scott began driving directly toward her boyfriend as he tried to get out of the car, according to police. He attempted to dodge the vehicle but ended up on the hood before falling to the ground and running away to escape further harm, investigators said.
Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Scott related to the domestic violence incident. During a subsequent traffic stop, authorities ordered her to exit her Kia Forte. Instead of complying, Scott allegedly accelerated and struck two officers, injuring them, before fleeing at extreme speeds with her children still inside, according to the affidavit.
The Investigation
As Scott fled down State Road 53, she crossed the centerline, overcorrected, and left the roadway before slamming into a tree at approximately 111 mph, investigators said. She was ejected from the vehicle along with two of her sons.
Jae'Coda Thomas, 3, Ju'Mari Thomas, 6, and Jack Thomas, 8, were all pronounced dead at the scene or airlifted to a hospital where they later died, according to authorities. None of the children were wearing seat belts or secured in car seats as required by law.
Scott, 31, was arrested and booked into the Cumberland County Jail without bond. She faces three counts of involuntary manslaughter along with multiple other charges including assault on a government official, felony fleeing to elude, reckless driving, and child endangerment. Her next scheduled court appearance is set for July 7.
The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the children's funerals. "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 drove at 111 mph while fleeing police with three children ages 3, 6, and 8 unsecured in her Kia Forte
- None of the children were wearing seat belts or secured in car seats despite legal requirements
- Two officers suffered minor injuries when Scott struck them during her attempt to flee
- The crash occurred on State Road 53 after Scott crossed the centerline and overcorrected
- All three boys — Jae'Coda Thomas, Ju'Mari Thomas, and Jack Thomas — died as a result of the crash
What's Next
Scott remains incarcerated at Cumberland County Jail without bond pending her July 7 court date. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the children's deaths. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence regarding vehicle speed, child restraint violations, and the circumstances surrounding Scott's decision to flee with her sons in the car.