Bond set for man accused of killing 2 in Shelby car crash

SHELBY, N.C. — The man Shelby police say killed two people and injured their grandson while driving drunk made his first appearance in court Monday.
 
A judge set bond for Demetrist Roberts at $1.5 million.
 
He's facing a number of charges, including second-degree murder and driving while impaired.
 
The 34-year-old appeared over the court video feed for his first appearance.
 
As his charges were read, Roberts didn't look up. He showed little to no emotion during court proceedings.

Read past coverage:

Man who lost parents in Shelby accident says he forgives driver

Shelby police say officers pursued him on Saturday because he was speeding. They stopped because there were was a festival in the area and it was too crowded. Police say Roberts kept driving and crashed into a car.

Dorman Pompey and Frances Pompey -- both 55 years old -- were killed. Their 12-year-old grandson, Shiheem Pompey, was seriously injured.
 
Channel 9 spoke withRoberts' mother after court. She didn't want to give us her full name, but she told us her thoughts are with the Pompey family: "I just want to pray for the other family. I just want to pray for the other family. My son is a good son."
 
Roberts has a lengthy criminal history. He's been arrested five times in the last 14 years in Cleveland County. Those charges include DWI and speeding to elude an officer.
 
An investigator involved in Saturday's investigation was in court today. He told the judge Roberts tried to run away after the crash and initially gave them the wrong name. The investigator said Roberts was "uncooperative, belligerent and combative." Roberts' family says it's been a very difficult few days.
 
"We are praying for both families," said Roberts' aunt-in-law.
 
Roberts asked to speak at the end of the court proceedings. He told the judge he wasn't uncooperative.
 
Roberts lives with his sister. She didn't want to speak about her brother but had a message for Shiheem's father: "We are praying for his son. We are very sorry."
 
Roberts is scheduled to appear in court on May 19.
 
We have asked Shelby police for the dashcam video of the crash.
 
They told us they're not releasing it right now because it is still an ongoing investigation.
 
Shiheem is still in the hospital. As of this morning he was listed in fair condition.

WSOC