Breaking News: Guilty Plea in Tragic Motorcycle Accident
In a significant development in Catawba County, a 31-year-old woman from Hickory has pleaded guilty to aggravated felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired, and driving while license revoked in connection with a fatal motorcycle accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old man.
Sentencing
Stephanie Leighann Harris was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison by the Honorable Karen Eady-Williams, Superior Court Judge from Mecklenburg County, during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Harris will serve her period of incarceration in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.
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Tragic Accident
The incident occurred on April 13, 2024, when Coble Hartman, a 19-year-old from Taylorsville, was riding his motorcycle along U.S. Highway 70 in Hickory. Harris made a left turn into Hartman’s path at 11:37 p.m., resulting in a collision that proved fatal. Hartman was taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigation
During the investigation, Harris underwent field sobriety testing and blew a .16 on the intoxilyzer, more than twice the legal limit. Additionally, she had a prior DWI conviction from Burke County in February 2019. The lead investigator for the Hickory Police Department, Amanda Efird, worked diligently to piece together the events surrounding the crash.
Victim Impact
The victim’s family addressed the court during the sentencing hearing. Jeff Hartman, Coble’s father, chose to express love and forgiveness, stating that it was what his son would have wanted. He described his son as “the best of us.” Carol Hartman, Coble’s mother, expressed her desire for Harris to emerge from the tragedy as “kinder, softer, and lighter.” She added that her son would be the first to tell Harris that things would be okay.
Prosecution
Assistant District Attorney Melanie Earles prosecuted the matter for the State, with aid from Legal Assistant Jordan Arney. The prosecution’s efforts ensured that justice was served in this tragic case.
Conclusion
The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing bring some closure to the Hartman family, who have endured unimaginable loss. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Harris’s actions resulted in the loss of a young life, and she will now face the consequences of her actions.
Justice Served
The sentence imposed by Judge Eady-Williams reflects the severity of the offense. Harris will serve a significant period in prison, a reminder that impaired driving will not be tolerated in our community.
Community Impact
The community comes together to support the Hartman family during this difficult time. The loss of a young life has a profound impact on family and friends, and it is essential to provide support and resources to those affected.
Road Safety
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety. Impaired driving is a preventable cause of accidents, and it is crucial for drivers to make responsible choices. By prioritizing road safety, we can reduce the number of incidents on our roads and prevent tragedies like this from occurring.
Memorial
Coble Hartman’s memory will live on through his family and friends. His parents’ words during the sentencing hearing showcased their love and forgiveness, and their strength in the face of tragedy is a testament to their character.
The Hartman family can take some comfort in knowing that justice has been served. However, the loss of their son will always be felt deeply. May this incident serve as a reminder to all drivers to prioritize road safety and make responsible choices behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts
The loss of a young life is a tragedy that affects many. As a community, we must come together to support those affected and work towards preventing such incidents in the future. By holding impaired drivers accountable for their actions, we can help keep our roads safe and prevent further tragedies.
