Teen charged with murder after stolen car crash kills passenger, records show
- An 18-year-old is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with a January crash that killed a passenger after the stolen vehicle he was driving slammed into a telephone pole and tree at high speed.
WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot due to the suspect's murder charge.
An 18-year-old is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with a January crash that killed a passenger after police said the stolen vehicle he was driving slammed into a telephone pole and tree at high speed.
Ronny Enelson Briones Melgara was charged with second-degree murder without regard for the death of 18-year-old Anthony Pavon Santos, according to arrest records. Briones Melgara is also charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and felony conspiracy.
The charges come from a crash that happened Jan. 4 in the 3200 block of Shamrock Drive.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers, Charlotte Fire Department crews and Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) responded to the scene, where they found a Kia Forte off the road with significant damage to the front end and passenger side. Pavon Santos was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Briones Melgara and a juvenile passenger were transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Investigators determined the Kia was traveling west at high speed when the driver lost control, left the roadway and struck a telephone pole and a tree. The vehicle had been reported stolen, according to police.
Court records allege Briones Melgara conspired with Carlos Pavon and Anthony Pavon to steal a 2019 Kia Forte. The vehicle theft and crash happened on the same day.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
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