SHP: Driver Was Traveling In Excess of 90 MPH
CLAYTON – The State Highway Patrol has upgraded charges against a Selma man involved in a fatal traffic accident last month near Clayton.
The February 20 collision occurred at the intersection of NC 42 East and Castleberry Road. It claimed the life of 44 year-old Rita Spensser of Clayton.
Justin Christmas, 20, of Selma was initially charged with speeding and careless driving. Those charges were upgraded today (Wednesday) to involuntary manslaughter.
The Highway Patrol said the involuntary manslaughter charge was added following an ongoing investigation into the crash.
Troopers said the victim, Rita Spensser, was traveling eastbound on NC 42 East in a burgundy Honda and attempting to make a left turn onto Castleberry Road when she was struck by a westbound silver Lexus driven by Justin Christmas.
Witnesses to the crash pulled Mrs. Spensser from her overturned car and began lifesaving efforts. She succumbed to her injuries a short time later at the hospital.
State troopers re-interviewed witnesses to the accident and obtained a search warrant to download vehicle data from the Lexus. A review of the evidence and data indicated the Lexus was traveling in excess of 90 miles per hour at the time of the collision. The Honda was traveling between 10 and 15 miles per hour when it was struck in the passenger side. The posted speed limit is 45 mph.
Christmas turned himself in at the Johnston County Detention Center Wednesday morning and was served with the involuntary manslaughter warrant. He was given a $50,000 secured bond.
Prior Speeding Offense
According to court documents, this is not the first time Justin Christmas is accused of speeding along NC 42 East. On October 8, 2023, a Johnston County deputy stopped him for speeding 82 mph in a 55 mph zone, on NC 42 approximately 1.2 mile east of where the Feb. 20, 2024 fatal accident occurred.
According to public records, Christmas was weaving in and out of heavy traffic in both lanes in his silver Lexus before being pulled over. He reportedly told the deputy he was late for work. On March 12, 2024, Christmas pled responsible to a lesser offense of speeding 64 in a 55 mph zone. He paid $191 in fines and court costs.
It’s suppose to have a happy life and not have to worry to go anywhere even in church you have to watch every one else
No you don’t. Don’t live in fear of your neighbors. Love them with your whole heart. Trust in Him. It is the media that wants you to fear your neighbor. It wants you to share hatred of your neighbor.
To me if this guy was doing that kind of excessive speed and has been caught before for a high rate of speed then to me the charge should be murder. He knew what he was doing and how fast he was going. An animal like this makes me sick!
So it’s the media’s fault
So it’s the fault of the media
He killed someone give him 20 years
Actually
, it looks like the driver side. She didn’t have a chance.