On July 10, 2026, our world was completely shattered. Eleven-year-old Arabella "Bella" Powell and her mother Amanda Green were killed in a horrific, preventable crash at the intersection of Rough and Ready Road and Hinsons Crossroads Road in Columbus County. The crash was caused by a reckless driver who blew directly through a dual-erected stop sign.
Bella’s bright life was just getting started. Amanda was taken far too soon. The driver responsible left this mother and daughter with severe, fatal injuries, she showed zero remorse or accountability at the scene. Yet, because of flawed state laws, this driver is currently only facing misdemeanor charges of death by motor vehicle.
Under current North Carolina law,  a fatality caused by  reckless, careless, or grossly negligent driving—such as speeding and ignoring clear traffic controls—is treated as a mere misdemeanor. This means a person can end two precious lives through sheer negligence and face probation and little to no jail time.  The state of NC will only charge someone with a felony death by motor vehicle if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or been charged with DUI within the last 7 years.  Unless of course  you have CDL’s and you’re held to a different standard.  Why?  I understand insurance should be different  NOT the punishment of a driver.  Everyone’s life should be worth the same in the eyes of the law however, currently  NC only gives justice if your killed by a drunk. Misdemeanor slap on the wrist does not provide justice for the loss of a child and a mother.  No jail cell, just a citation for her to be in court as we spent the following hours, days, and week at the funeral home. 
 
. So we are calling on all friends, parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, and common sense people to take a moment and help us save a life instead of disregarding them. Stricter consequences will make people pay attention to their actions since speed limits and stop signs don’t seem to do it.
We are pleading with our state legislators to hear our cry for help. Step in and change these laws before  someone else loses a child, a mother.

We demand:
Strict prosecution and maximum accountability from Columbus  County District Attorney Jon David in the pending case for the loss of Bella and Amanda.

Legislative reform to North Carolina General Statute § 20-141.4 to reclassify death by vehicle resulting from gross negligence, extreme recklessness, and blatant traffic violations from a misdemeanor to a felony. 

No family should have to fight an unjust system while grieving the loss of their whole world. Stand with us, sign this petition, and demand that Bella and Amanda be remembered as angels who changed North Carolina law. We thank the community for the love and support during are darkest days. Please stand with us in this fight for justice. Support Arabella's Law to ensure their loss is not in vain, and let it serve as a pivotal step toward systemic change that can save lives and prevent future tragedies from being compounded by insufficient charges.