Highway Patrol: Toddler killed in I-77 accident; cars racing, drivers drunk

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troopers have released new details about a two-car crash in which a toddler was killed.

Troopers said Kelvin Nichols Jr., of York, S.C., was headed northbound on Interstate 77 around 1 o'clock Saturday morning with his girlfriend, Tiesha Baldwin, and their 2-year-old son, Trevon Nichols, who was in the back seat.

Investigators said Nichols may have started racing another driver, Randall Baptiste, of Charlotte, at some point.

Witnesses told troopers both men were driving 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipses and appeared to reach speeds of 90 to 100 miles per hour.

Troopers said both Nichols and Baptiste had also been drinking.

As the two drivers neared the Remount Road exit, investigators said, they lost control. Troopers said Baptiste hit the guardrail and went back across the interstate. Nichols slammed into the concrete barrier, according to investigators.

Baptiste was ejected through his windshield, and Nichols and Baldwin were seriously injured, troopers said.

Trevon was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Highway Patrol.

Monday afternoon, a man who identified himself as a relative of Nichols told Eyewitness News Nichols and Baldwin were "not doing good" and that it was not a good time to talk.

Troopers said both Nichols and Baptiste will face charges, but prosecutors have not decided which charges, pending results of toxicology tests.

WSOC