Enedina Fernandez, 75, and Nabila Rasoul, 23, were killed on February 15, 2022 on WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC near The Plaza intersection. James Payne, 21, is charged in the deaths of both women. A child with James witnessed what occurred. Nabila was the mother of 3 kids.
The women’s deaths were caused due to a fatal motor vehicle collision. The fatal collision was on February 15th.
Nabila had just come to the United States from Afghanistan to flee the recent Taliban takeover of the country. Nabila was learning English. Nabila and Enedina were walking together on WT. Harris Blvd.
A vehicle operated by James was allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to maintain lane control. As a result, James’ vehicle struck the rear of a Dodge Ram truck. The Dodge truck then hit the curb and began to overturn along the sidewalk where Nabila and Enedina were walking.
The Dodge truck hit the women pedestrians. The vehicle James was driving continued skidding. James was screened for impairment and was deemed impaired by an officer on the DWI Task Force.
James also had a juvenile occupant in the vehicle.
Both vehicles had severe damage. Emergency officials arrived on scene, and Enedina was pronounced deceased. Nabila was transported to Atrium hospital and died shortly after arrival from the injuries sustained in this crash.
The driver of the Dodge truck was not charged or arrested. James is charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, DWI, reckless driving, and misdemeanor child abuse.
James was also charged with having an open container of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and various other traffic offenses.
