Bond raised to $59 million for man charged in toddler’s death

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – The man accused of crashing into a family’s car and killing a 2-year-old made his first court appearance this afternoon.

Jonathan Hayes, 24, is now charged with 2nd degree murder, as well as several other charges including DWI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In court, the judge raised Hayes $9 million dollar bond by $50 million because he was driving 50mph when he hit the car.

The Assistant District Attorney says the 2-year-old’s mother, father and 4-year-old brother were also in the car. The mother is pregnant.

The ADA also confirmed Hayes has been given Narcan four times since May. He has two previous DWI charges. He was also driving without a license.

District Attorney Ben David said Hayes has two previous driving while impaired charges, but that was not enough to keep him off the road.

“Regrettably, it’s much easier to put someone in prison for a long time when something like this happens, but it’s too late and it doesn’t bring back children, so we are going to do everything we can under the law in this case just as we always do,” David said.

Hayes also has previous breaking and entering charges and possession charges. Prosecutors also said Hayes was driving without a license.

A 911 call describes Hayes reckless driving before and during the crash.

“The guy was swerving and he swerved twice into the left lane before he got into the right lane,” the woman said. “Then, he didn’t stop. It was like he plowed into several cars that were waiting at the traffic signal.”