Warrants reveal alcohol found at scene of deadly Holly Springs crash that killed 14-year-old

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. 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. 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. 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. "Upon first contact with him, immediately noticed he had extremely red and glassy eyes. His manner of speech was soft. Also observed moderate odor of alcohol emanating from the driver's breath," the search warrant notes. Stalhusch said that Rahlfs denied taking any drugs or alcohol, but did agree to take a sobriety test. According to the warrants, it was determined that Rahlfs had "consumed sufficient quantity of an impairing substance that his mental and/or physical faculties were appreciably impaired." Search warrants also show that officers investigating the crash were made aware of a video in November of 2025 that showed a Twisted Tea can in a car about 10 minutes before the crash took place. Sgt. Mitchel Ham and Lt. J. A. Laws returned to the scene of the crash along Avent Ferry Road, according to the warrants. Once there, the investigators found several cans along the roadway near where the crash happened. "Along the fence, they located a crushed Twisted Tea can at the crash site. In the wood line, more cans were located," the warrant states. It also notes that one can was found open as if someone had been drinking from it. When investigators searched Rahlfs home, the search warrant lists several containers of alcohol that were found in the home. Then warrant lists the following: Rahlfs has been indicted for felony second-degree murder, felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. If convicted on these charges, Rahlfs faces up to 62 years behind bars, with 10 months possible for the misdemeanors.