As the trial date for a former UNC student accused of driving the wrong way in a fatal crash on I-85 last summer is approaching, a local judge has once again denied defense motions to suppress evidence in the case.

Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour ruled on Thursday that the state can use evidence from Chandler Kania’s cell phone and his blood-alcohol content from the night of the crash.

Kania is accused of driving the wrong way on I-85 in Orange County last July for at least six miles before crashing head-on into another vehicle, killing three of the four passengers in the vehicle – 49-year-old Felicia Harris, 46-year-old Darlene McGee and six-year-old Jahnice Baird.

Records show the crash occurred after Kania and a group of friends had spent several hours drinking. Kania’s blood-alcohol content was registered as a .17 following the crash, according to law enforcement, which is twice the legal limit to drive in North Carolina. Kania was also underage at the time of the crash.

After Baddour’s ruling, that blood-alcohol content and the evidence from Kania’s cell phone will now be allowed in the trial. Kania’s attorneys had also argued that the warrant for Kania’s cell phone was illegally served, but Baddour previously ruled against that motion as well.

Kania is facing three counts of second-degree murder, among other charges.

Kania trial is set to begin on Monday.

Related Stories
‹
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget Decision
Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
Orange County: Budget Amendments, Memorial Day, Upcoming Public Hearing
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 27, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent movement on the budget, which as seen a flurry of amendments as commissioners and staff try to reconcile some tough budget choices without raising property taxes. She also previewed the upcoming public hearing on the budget, reviewed Memorial Day events in our community, and more.
Rabid Raccoon Reported By Orange County After Altercation With Two Dogs
Orange County Animal Services said Wednesday it confirmed a positive case of rabies in a raccoon found in Chapel Hill. The raccoon was sent for testing by OCAS on Saturday, May 23 after it got into an altercation with two dogs. The condition of the dogs is unknown. It was found by animal control near […]
Gov. Stein Appoints Orange County Residents, Including Sheriff, to Advisory Boards
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein appointed five Orange County community members to the Historic Hillsborough Commission and two other boards.
Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local Services
The observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
Carrboro High Students Dismissed Early Due to Piedmont Electric Power Outage
More than 7,000 Piedmont Electric Cooperative customers in Orange County lost power Friday due to a transmission issue affecting substations.
Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli Announces Retirement
Laurie Paolicelli recently announced this year will be her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People Bitten
Two people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
Orange County: Budget Decisions, State Impacts, Upcoming Events
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 14, discussing county news and events. She discussed Tuesday's public hearing on the budget and the feedback the board received from the community. She also looked ahead to Thursday's work session on public education, and more.
Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate Flat
Both Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.
›