Friends say they tried to take Kania’s keys before fatal crash

By Jessa O’Connor

Former UNC student Chandler Kania faces murder charges for causing an alcohol-related accident that killed three people. (WRAL)
Former UNC student Chandler Kania faces murder charges for causing an alcohol-related accident that killed three people. (WRAL)

Former UNC student Chandler Kania went on trial this week for murder, after a crash on Interstate 85 last year that killed two women and a child in another vehicle. Kania had been drinking underage at bars in downtown Chapel Hill prior to the crash.

Monday, he pleaded guilty to felony death by vehicle and driving under the influence, among other charges. But Kania pleaded not-guilty to second-degree murder and reckless driving, and is on trial for those charges.

Prosecutors are trying to show that he acted with malice — that Kania willfully disregarded the law and caused harm. In testimony Thursday, Kania’s friend Rebecca Greene said she was drinking excessively with Kania the night of the crash.

Witnesses said Kania and his friends drank in Greene’s apartment, at a fraternity house, and two bars — La Residence and He’s Not Here. When he saw Kania in his car, Alex Pugh and other friends said they tried to take his keys.

Kania’s murder trial is scheduled to continue next week.

 

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