HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) — Search warrants have revealed new details connected to a Holly Springs crash in which a 14-year-old on a bike was killed, and another person was injured in October 2025.
Searches of 16-year-old driver Ashton Rahlfs’ home and the crash scene point to alcohol as a potential contributing factor in the crash, shedding light on the reasons behind his charges.
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Rahlfs was charged with felony second-degree murder, felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. He also faces seven misdemeanor charges, which include: DWI, driving after consuming underage, license/permit violation, traffic infraction, underage malt beverage consumption, alcohol consumption underage, and larceny.
Background on the crash
The crash happened on Oct. 26, just after 1:30 a.m., and involved two cars and a bicyclist. According to the Holly Springs Police Department, Rahlfs was driving an SUV when he hit 14-year-old Max Dunham, who was riding his bike down Avent Ferry Road.
After hitting Dunham on his bicycle, police said Rahlfs crossed the center line of Avent Ferry Road and crashed into 19-year-old Brandon Russell, who was driving a blue Honda Civic. Russell’s mother said he was badly injured and required several surgeries.
New details, evidence revealed in search warrants
According to the search warrants, when Rahlfs was interviewed shortly after the crash in the back of the ambulance, Holly Springs Police Officer Stalhusch said she noticed several indicators that Rahlfs may have been impaired…