MORGANTON, N.C. — Benjamin Willis pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of DWI and felony death by motor vehicle in connection with a June 2025 crash that killed an 8-year-old girl. The guilty plea, entered in Burke County near Glenn Alpine, also includes a charge of felony serious injury by motor vehicle related to injuries sustained by the girl’s father.
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The fatal crash happened when a pickup truck driven by Willis crossed the center line on U.S. 70 and struck a Kia Forte head-on. State troopers said the girl, Wyllow Ferguson, died from her injuries and her father was seriously hurt in the collision.
The girl’s grandfather spoke during the sentencing hearing.
“I have no empathy for you, and I hope you get the most sentence you can get, because she is never coming back,” said Anthony Ferguson, the victim’s grandfather.
Willis stood up in court and apologized for Wyllow’s death.
“The only thing I can say and give is my apologies,” Willis said. “I wish I could go back and change everything that day.”
Willis had methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system at the time of the wreck, according to court documents.
The judge sentenced Willis to the maximum sentence under the law: more than 90 months of prison time and five years of probation.
Channel 9’s Dave Faherty was in court and asked family members about Willis’ apologies.
“I hope that he is sincerely sorry, and just not sorry that he got caught,” said Fericia Ferguson, the victim’s grandmother.
The judge also ordered Willis to pay more than $12,000 in restitution and to undergo substance abuse treatment as part of his sentence.