Family of James Carter II files wrongful death petition

ABC 17 News has obtained official court documents saying that the family of James Carter II has filed a wrongful death petition against Vanessa Beatty on Nov. 23.

Both Carter and Beatty were pronounced dead at the scene of a head-on vehicle collision on Oct. 29.

Two of the plaintiffs are the surviving children of Carter, both under the age of 18. Because of their age, Sharmain Collier has been appointed next of friend for Carter. The documents also say that among the general allegations of the petition, Beatty was unlawfully operating a vehicle.

Police say the crash happened as Beatty, driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 125. Carter, in a Buick Lacrosse, was driving eastbound. Neither drivers were wearing seatbelts.