A North Carolina teenager is facing murder charges after allegedly driving drunk. Ashton Rahlfs killed a ninth grader who was riding his bike and pinned another young man in his car. Prior to the early hour the crash took place, the teen and his friends were reportedly drinking Twisted Tea — a popular alcoholic beverage — and it’s unclear where the alcohol might have come from. Rahlfs is facing a slew of charges stemming from his apparent reckless behavior. According to police, more charges could be added later.
Thus far, 16-year-old Rahlfs has been charged with second-degree murder, felony death by motor vehicle, and felony serious injury by vehicle in connection with the death of 14-year-old Max Dunham, Holly Springs Police noted in a news release. The teen had already been charged with driving in violation of his driver’s permit restrictions, driving after consuming alcohol younger than 21 years old, and driving while impaired.
On October 26, 2025 around 1:40 a.m., Rahlfs was driving when he hit Dunham, who was riding his bicycle. Rahlfs then crossed the center of the road, which caused him to crash into the car of 19-year-old Brandon Russell. The impact nearly destroyed Russell’s car, pinning him inside until he could be extricated by firefighters from Holly Springs Fire-Rescue.
“Officers were able to determine that the defendant, Rahlfs, had been driving carelessly and recklessly for a significant time before the crash and that his speed just prior to the crash was more than double the 35 MPH speed limit,” the release shared.
There were two other teens in the car with Rahlfs, WRAL reported. Video evidence showed open and unopened cans of Twisted Tea in the teen’s car. They were also visible at the crash site.
“It was tough to understand the force of the impact,” Chief Paul Liquorie told the outlet. “When officers first responded, it was dark, so it was tough to grasp what happened. This was a difficult crash scene to respond to, emotionally.”
Liquorie said that the teen’s blood alcohol level was .11 in a second test. “A download of the Defendant’s phone has revealed pattern of underage alcohol consumption dating back months, both in and outside of vehicles,” according to court documents, WRAL reported.
Lynwood Montague, who lives near the crash site, told ABC 11 he heard the crash and called 911. “I was up around 1:30 a.m. watching TV, and when all of a sudden I heard this loud crash,” he explained.
“I got up, went outside and was looking around, and all of a sudden I heard the worst screaming I have ever heard and moaning. And I just knew it was bad,” he told the outlet. “I just can’t imagine what the families are going through.”
Those who knew Dunham gathered at the site where he was killed to share memories of the teen. “He was a good person to hang out with and to vibe with,” ninth grader Brice Boylan told ABC 11.
Russell’s family started a GoFundMe account to help cover costs for the months of recovery he’s facing. According to the fundraiser, Russell has “extensive injuries that will require multiple surgeries to repair.” They explained, “His body has suffered severe trauma and it needs to be stabilized accordingly.”
He has multiple broken bones and other extensive injuries. “His body is shattered but his faith remains intact,” the fundraiser page reads.
As for Ashton Rahlfs, a judge decided on November 20,that authorities can continue to hold him without bond.
