UPDATE: Second man charged.
Second degree murder charges have been filed against both men who allegedly killed a Sandyfield resident while street racing April 16.
Ray Antonio Graham, 35, was arrested May 2 on charges of second degree murder and prearranged speed competition. He was released on a secured bond Monday.
Daniel Coleman, 21, was arrested in New Hanover County May 5, according to court records.
Both are charged with the second degree murder of James Tyler Brown. Coleman and Ray Antonio Graham were allegedly racing at more than 90 miles per hour when Coleman struck Brown’s lawnmower on Old Lake Road. Brown died at the scene. Graham was also charged with second degree murder. Both men were released on secured bond.
Graham and Daniel Coleman of Council were allegedly racing on Old Lake Road just before 8:30 p.m. when they encountered James Tyler Brown, who was driving a lawn mower to a neighbor’s home. Coleman passed Graham and Brown, the Highway Patrol reported, and struck the mower at 90 miles per hour. The lawn mower was knocked from the roadway and exploded. Brown was thrown into the roadway. Coleman then lost control and wrecked in a ditch.
More charges may be pending in the case. The Highway Patrol is investigating.
The death brought the total of highway fatalities in Columbus County to nine.
Graham’s address was listed on court documents as 11196 Old Lake Road. Coleman’s address was listed as 237 Ed Jacobs Rd., Council. Brown had a home in Sandyfield, but his address was listed as Macon, Ga.
