Fayetteville crash that killed E.E. Smith High School students ends with two sisters arrested: Police

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) – A woman wanted in connection with a crash that killed three E.E. Smith High School students nearly two weeks ago has turned herself in to authorities, the Fayetteville Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday.

Police said 19-year-old Destini Rhinada Genwright turned herself in on Tuesday after officers had been in contact with her and encouraged her to do so. She’s charged with willful speed competition, speeding, careless and reckless driving, as well as an insurance violation.

The crash happened on the 2700 block of Rosehill Road near the intersection of Walstone Road on Oct. 8, slightly before 7 p.m.

According to police, a 2024 Honda Civic sped off the road and smashed into a tree, killing passengers Jai’Hyon Lamont Elliot, Trevor Merritt and Nicholas Williams. All three were students at E.E. Smith High School and members of the football team.

The driver was identified as Genwright’s sister, 21-year-old Dymond Monroe of Fayetteville. She was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with serious injuries.

Following consultation with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, investigators charged Monroe with three counts of involuntary manslaughter, along with willful speed competition, speeding, careless and reckless driving, and an insurance violation.

Monroe remains hospitalized as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the police department.

Police said that Genwright was driving a different car on Rosehill Road at the same time as the crash.

Genwright was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond, according to Fayetteville police.

Police said this remains an active investigation as officers continue to analyze evidence associated with this fatal crash.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective C. Lewis at (910) 818-1872.