One man has been charged in the five-car crash that killed two men Monday in Whiteville.
Jacob Taylor Sax, 25, of Mebane has been charged with two counts each of misdemeanor death by vehicle and felony hit and run causing serious injury or death. He will have a first appearance in court Wednesday. Kenneth Goben and Javier Pena died at the scene.
Sax is being held under $300,000 secured bond.
Witnesses said Sax was driving at a high rate of speed when he entered the intersection of Washington Street and Powell Boulevard just before 2:30 p.m. The crash is still under investigation.
Whiteville Police were assisted by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol. Whiteville Fire, City Emergency Services, Whiteville Rescue, Chadbourn-Klondyke Rescue and Lake Waccamaw Rescue also responded. Whiteville Public Works assisted with traffic control and cleanup.
Goben was Columbus County’s veteran service officer, friends said. He was retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 22 years.
