Driver Charged After Fatal Kenly Crash

KENLY – New details have emerged in a fatal crash that occurred around midnight Saturday near Kenly, claiming the life of a passenger and sending the driver to the hospital.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision happened on Weaver Road, just off U.S. Highway 301 after a vehicle ran off the road and collided with a tree.

The driver, identified as Vicencio Pineda, 22, of Apex, NC, left the scene on foot following the crash. The Highway Patrol, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and Kenly Police Department conducted a search for the driver. Pineda was located approximately a half mile from the scene. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The passenger, Jesus Marico-Delgado, 27, from Bear Creek, NC, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been pinned inside the wreckage when first responders arrived.

On Monday, the Highway Patrol confirmed that Pineda has been charged with Felony Death by Motor Vehicle and Felony Hit and Run involving Serious Injury.

The investigation remains ongoing.