Darren Powell: Police say driver started chase, released from jail on bail and awaiting trial for Barbara Adair murder in 2023

SPRING LAKE, N.C. (WTVD) – The man blamed for a fatal car crash in Cumberland County violated his house arrest when he allegedly led police on a chase on Saturday.

Darren Powell, 25, was released from prison on bail after being placed under house arrest ahead of the trial, which is a murder trial.

According to investigators, Powell killed Barbara Adair on July 12, 2023. He was released from prison on bail on October 27, 2023.

Just before midnight on August 17, 2024, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol officer said he filmed Powell driving 110 miles per hour on NC-87. The officer attempted to pull Powell over, but he continued to speed away.

Powell eventually collided with a car that was turning left from NC-87 onto McKenzie Road in Spring Lake. The car's passenger, Delfina Sanchez, died at the scene. The driver of the car was taken to the hospital with significant injuries.

Powell was also taken to hospital with injuries from the accident.

On Monday, Powell appeared before a judge who revoked his bail for the 2023 murder case. The judge ruled that Powell violated his pretrial agreement and house arrest during the chase.

Once his treatment at the hospital is complete, Powell must return to the detention camp.

Powell's attorney said he pleaded not guilty to the 2023 murder and maintains his innocence in this case.

Charges are still pending in connection with the chase and the fatal accident.

This fatal high-speed crash occurred in the same location as another chase just three months ago. In that crash, too, NC State Highway Patrol officers began pursuing a suspect from Harnett County on NC-87.