Authorities released the identity of a 16-year-old accused of fleeing a traffic stop and crashing his car, killing a passenger.
Zimmeko Mark Weston, of Columbus, faces charges of murder, felony fleeing, careless driving and driving without a license, according to records Sheriff Eddie Hawkins provided to The Dispatch on Wednesday.
Columbus Police Department arrested Weston on Friday, though the teenager posted his $250,892 bond shortly after being booked at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Because Weston has been charged as an adult and bound over to circuit court, The Dispatch is identifying him under its policy of naming suspects charged as adults with felonies.
At about 8 p.m. June 16, CPD officers pulled over a car allegedly driven by Weston for speeding and reckless driving.
Weston, based on body camera footage shown to The Dispatch and other members of the media following a June 19 press conference, did not follow directions from officers during the traffic stop and allegedly reached for a pistol in his waistband.
The footage also showed Christopher Austin Bankhead, 21, attempt to exit the car before it sped away and ultimately crashed into a signpost in front of Food Giant on Alabama Street.
Bankhead died in the crash while Weston and the two other passengers were injured.
Speaking to The Dispatch on Tuesday, 16th Circuit District Attorney Scott Colom confirmed his office provided CPD with options for potential charges based on the evidence investigators shared.
Colom said felony murder, unlike first- and second-degree murder charges, can be brought against a suspect even without evidence of intent or premeditation if the death occurs as the direct result of another felony crime, like fleeing in this case.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
