Driver Charged in Death of 3 E.E. Smith Students

Breaking News | Cumberland County| Crime| Public Safety

October 21, 2025•1 min read

The Fayetteville Police Department’s Traffic Unit has secured charges against two individuals in connection with a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on October 8, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of three E.E. Smith High School students.

Dymond Nekiya Monroe, 21, of Fayetteville, NC, has been charged with:

Involuntary Manslaughter (3 counts)
Willful Speed Competition
Speeding
Careless and Reckless Driving
Insurance Violation

Monroe remains hospitalized, and the FPD’s Traffic Unit will coordinate with judicial officials as appropriate.

Additionally, officers identified a second vehicle, a 2023 Dodge Charger, traveling on Rosehill Road at the time of the crash. Charges have been filed against the driver of this vehicle, Destini Rhinada Genwright, 19, of Fayetteville, NC, including:

Willful Speed Competition
Speeding
Careless and Reckless Driving
Insurance Violation

Authorities are encouraging Genwright to turn herself in, and family and friends are urged to assist in this process.

The preliminary investigation determined that excessive speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash. The initial incident involved a gray 2024 Honda Civic that ran off Rosehill Road, colliding with a utility pole and then a tree. Dymond N. Monroe was identified as the driver and was life-flighted to UNC Medical Center in critical condition. The three passengers, identified as Jai’Hyon Lamont Elliot, 18, and two 17-year-old male juveniles, all succumbed to their injuries at the scene. All passengers were students in the Cumberland County School System.

This remains an active investigation, and the FPD’s Traffic Unit continues to analyze evidence. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective C. Lewis at (910) 818-1872. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477), visiting fay-nccrimestoppers.org, or by downloading the FREE “P3 Tips” app.

Lake Wood

Driven by a profound connection to his native Cumberland County, Lake Wood serves as the News Director and lead Investigative Reporter for Fay News 10. Lake embarked on his journey in television news in 2016 and has since delivered impactful coverage of significant events, from the destructive force of Hurricane Florence to the powerful voices of the 2020 protests and riots. He has also been on the ground for several presidential visits and consistently highlights the dedication of the brave men and women of Fort Bragg. A particularly memorable assignment saw him embedded with the National Guard, documenting their vital helicopter missions to assist isolated communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Whether navigating complex court cases or seeking solutions for consumers, Lake is committed to providing insightful and meaningful journalism for the community he calls home.

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