North Carolina Troopers Under Investigation in Deadly October Crash

RALEIGH, N.C. — Search warrants have revealed suspicious actions by two state troopers following a fatal crash on Capital Boulevard in October 2024 that resulted in the death of Tyrone Mason.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Garrett Macario and Sgt. Matthew Morrison are being investigated for their response to the incident, which was initially reported as a single-car crash. However, Mason’s family believes he was being pursued by the troopers at the time.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman stated that evidence from the crash investigation, including video from body and dash cameras, prompted her to scrutinize the actions of Macario and Morrison. As a result, she has dismissed charges in nearly 200 cases involving either of the troopers.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) examined footage captured by Macario’s body camera, showing his attempt to pull Mason over shortly before the wreck. The camera footage includes a call made by Macario to Morrison, where Morrison inquired if Macario had reported a vehicle chase. Macario admitted he had not, and Morrison instructed him not to inform Raleigh Police officers about attempting to stop Mason.

When responding officers arrived, Macario told them he was not pursuing Mason, claiming he stumbled upon the crash scene. The investigation was furthered by searching the personal cellphones of both troopers, as well as Morrison’s work cell.

The family of Tyrone Mason has hired two attorneys to demand answers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol regarding the involvement of the troopers in Mason’s death. Mason’s mother, Henrietta Mason, expressed her disbelief over the initial account of a single-car accident. “I told them that is not true,” she said. “Someone on the force had to have been chasing my son.”

Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Mason family, echoed those sentiments, stating, “We know something happened here that is more than they are telling us.”

Freeman noted that her investigation was prompted by a tip from someone inside the SBI who raised concerns about the crash. “In December, I received a call from someone with the SBI who had someone come forward to them raising questions about an incident on Oct. 7 in which a young man was killed on Capital,” she said.

Court records indicate that Macario provided false information to officers with the Raleigh Police Department. “All that we ask is everyone come together and get justice for my son, Tyrone Mason,” Henrietta Mason added.

Freeman confirmed that her office is currently reviewing the investigation and hopes to conclude this review in the coming weeks.