Teen Released on Bond After Ballantyne Crash Leaves Two Dead and Child Seriously Injured

Charlotte, North Carolina — January 13, 2026 — According to WCNC, an 18-year-old charged in a December crash that claimed two lives and left a child critically injured has been released from custody after posting bond.

Jason Anthony Scott faces two felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and one felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon, causing serious injury. The charges stem from a collision that occurred on December 27 at the intersection of Ardrey Kell Road and Red Rust Lane in the Ballantyne area.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say officers responding to the scene found a 2011 Honda CR-V and a 2013 BMW 335i that had been involved in a violent crash. The driver of the Honda, Lorin Elizabeth Manley, and a passenger, Gloria Jeane Manley, were pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger riding in the Honda suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.

Family members later confirmed that the 12-year-old victim has been released from intensive care and is expected to survive, but faces a lengthy recovery. The child sustained multiple severe injuries, including fractures to the pelvis and ribs, along with a collapsed lung.

A fundraising campaign created to assist the family describes the difficult road ahead, noting that the child will require ongoing rehabilitation and that medical expenses continue to grow. The fundraiser also highlights the emotional toll on surviving family members as they grieve the loss of both their mother and grandmother.

In the weeks since the crash, a memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has appeared near the intersection. Residents who live nearby say the tragedy has shaken the community and renewed long-standing concerns about speeding in the area.

Several neighbors told reporters that excessive speed on Ardrey Kell Road is a frequent problem, with drivers often exceeding the posted speed limit.

Scott, who was driving the BMW, was also hospitalized with serious injuries following the crash. He was taken into custody earlier this week. Investigators have stated that there is no indication of alcohol or drug impairment, but speed is believed to have played a role. Witnesses reported seeing the BMW traveling at extremely high speeds, though investigators have not yet confirmed an exact speed.

During a court hearing, Scott’s attorney argued that another vehicle entered the intersection in front of Scott while he had a green light, contributing to the collision. Prosecutors, however, urged the court to deny bond under Iryna’s Law, citing the severity of the crash and allegations of excessive speed.

Court records indicate Scott had previous encounters with law enforcement, including multiple citations for speeding or reckless driving in the months leading up to the crash. That history was not discussed during the bond hearing.

The judge ultimately set bond at $300,000, determining that release conditions could be imposed to protect public safety.

As part of his release conditions, Scott is required to surrender his driver’s license and is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to return to court on February 3.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.