Alton Pettijohn, 18, says he feels responsible for the deaths of three of his close friends.
Early Sunday morning, Pettijohn, along with 15-year-old June Hoffnauer, her boyfriend, 18-year-old Chris Mullins, and Mullins' brother, 20-year-old Donald, went to buy cigarettes with a neighbor, Antwan Mumford. Pettijohn drove Hoffnauer's mother's Pontiac Grand Am.
He says the accident happened after he swerved to avoid hitting another car.
"When I turned, that's when I hit and, due to the impact, that made the car flip numerous times," Pettijohn says.
Donald and Chris Mullins and Hoffnauer died at the scene. Mumford is in critical but stable condition at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Pettijohn admits to drinking that night, but says he was OK to drive.
Police are still investigating the accident. They say speed could have been a factor. So far, no charges have been filed.
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