Man charged with murder in crash that killed former Dublin fire chief

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man accused of causing a deadly crash that killed a former Dublin fire chief is now facing a second-degree murder charge.

Kirkland McCary Pusey Smith, 29, of Bladenboro, was formally charged Friday with second-degree murder without regard and driving while impaired, according to Bladen County court records. His bond was set at $5 million secured, and a judge ordered that Smith not operate a motor vehicle and not consume alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a doctor. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 12.

The charges stem from a fatal two-vehicle crash that happened Saturday morning, May 24, just west of Dublin.

According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, Jimmy Batton, 68, was stopped on Highway 41 waiting to turn left onto Robin Lane when Smith’s truck failed to stop and slammed into the back of Batton’s SUV. Batton died at the scene. Smith suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

Batton was a well-known figure in the community and formerly served as Dublin’s fire chief.