NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The driver who killed a local skateboarder and community member, 32-year-old Alec Chambers, has another charge added to the list.
Michelle Lane Masiello was charged last week with second-degree murder, though neither the district attorney’s office nor the sheriff’s department could follow up on details that led to it. Second degree murder charges are applied when a suspect intentionally kills someone but without premeditation or planning.
“Since the case is pending and the investigation is ongoing I am not permitted to make additional comment about the case,” administrative assistant to the district attorney Samantha Dooies told Port City Daily.
The sentence for second degree murder ranges typically from eight years to life in prison.
Masiello was in the New Hanover County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond, but according to the Wilmington Police Department, she bonded out on Jan. 16. She was charged with second-degree murder on Jan. 14 after standing in front of a judge and has retained Woody White as her lawyer.
Originally Masiello was arrested on Dec. 30, after striking Chambers with her Jeep at Satellite Bar and Lounge, while driving under the influence. She was charged with death by vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger, and injury to real property. She received a $255,000 secured bond and was out of jail by Jan. 2.
The community has responded to Chambers’ death, advocating via a petition to rename Greenfield Grind Skate Park to Alec Chambers Skate Park. Friends also have applied to the city’s Renaming Facilities Committee for the change. Chambers was laid to rest on Friday, Jan. 9.
Masiello’s next court date is set for Jan. 29.
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