Woman faces aggravated felony charge in deadly Brunswick County impaired-driving case

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An Ash woman is facing an aggravated felony death by vehicle charge in connection with the death of Mary Frances Long, according to Brunswick County court records.

Charlotte Russ Milligan, 54, was arrested Monday, Sept. 21, on the felony charge and given a $125,000 secured bond.

According to a warrant, Milligan is accused of unintentionally causing Long’s death while driving on N.C. 130 while impaired. The warrant alleges the impaired-driving offense was the proximate cause of Long’s death.

The aggravated felony death by vehicle charge stems from an alleged offense on Sept. 9.

Court records show Milligan was initially charged Sept. 9 with misdemeanor death by vehicle, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked for impaired driving and driving left of center.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is listed as the investigating agency in both pending cases.

The warrant for the aggravated felony charge also cites a previous impaired-driving conviction. According to the court document, Milligan was convicted of impaired driving in Brunswick County District Court on Dec. 8, 2025.

A warrant for Milligan’s arrest on the aggravated felony death by vehicle charge was issued Sept. 13 and served Monday at the Brunswick County Courthouse, court records show.

Milligan is scheduled for a court appearance Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Brunswick County District Court in connection with the felony case.

A separate hearing in the case containing the original misdemeanor and traffic charges is currently scheduled for Nov. 23.