A Jacksonville, North Carolina, woman has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed 22-year-old motorcyclist Kendall Papenfuse. Police say the collision happened October 27 at North Marine Boulevard and Queens Road, where a vehicle turning left allegedly failed to yield to Papenfuse’s Harley-Davidson before leaving the scene.
Authorities identified the arrested woman as 40-year-old Rebekah Stebbins of Jacksonville. According to police information reported by WITN, Papenfuse lost control after the initial collision, was thrown from his motorcycle and struck the front bumper of another vehicle. The 22-year-old Richlands man was taken to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, where he was pronounced dead.
Woman arrested after investigation
WITN reported that Stebbins was arrested November 5. Court records cited in the report list charges of hit-and-run causing a death, misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and unsafe movement. She reportedly received a $75,000 secured bond. The investigation was ongoing when the report was published.
The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt. Stebbins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police say vehicle turned left and failed to yield
Police say the other vehicle was turning left onto North Marine Boulevard when it failed to yield to the motorcycle. The initial impact caused Papenfuse to lose control; he was then ejected and struck a second vehicle. The driver of that second vehicle was not reported injured.
Left-turn conflicts are a recurring danger for motorcyclists because drivers may fail to see an approaching motorcycle or misjudge its speed. The fatal crash also underscores the serious consequences of leaving the scene of a collision. The specific circumstances and legal responsibility will be addressed through the investigation and court process.
Sources
WITN: Jacksonville woman arrested in hit-and-run that killed a motorcyclist
WITN: Original report on the fatal crash and police search for the driver
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