Home / Crime and Justice / Drunk Boating Tragedy: Killer Gets 15 Years
Drunk Boating Tragedy: Killer Gets 15 Years
25 Aug
Summary
- Drunk boater sentenced to over 15 years in prison.
- A 10-year-old girl died, and a woman lost her leg.
- The incident occurred on Harris Lake in North Carolina.
A drunk boating incident on North Carolina's Harris Lake last summer has resulted in a conviction. Quinten Kight, 42, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2026, to charges including second-degree murder and felony serious injury by impaired boating. He received a sentence of 150 to 185 months, equating to over 12.5 to 15 years in prison.
The charges stem from the death of 10-year-old Brooklyn Carroll and severe injuries to Jennifer Stehle, who lost her leg. Kight was operating a boat while intoxicated when he struck Carroll and Stehle, who were swimming. Brooklyn was a student at West Lake Elementary, and Stehle was a social worker at her school and a family friend.
During the plea hearing, Brooklyn's father expressed his grief, stating her death was "completely preventable." Multiple empty alcohol cans were reportedly found on Kight's vessel, which carried 11 passengers. Kight's girlfriend, who owns the boat, faces a separate charge. Kight's attorney indicated he showed remorse in court. Brooklyn's parents stated the conviction sends a message against drunk boating in North Carolina.
