CARTERET COUNTY, NC – A Goldsboro man will spend decades in prison after pleading guilty in connection to a 2024 crash in Morehead City that claimed the life of a mother and seriously injured three others.
According to Carteret County Superior court records, Cody Andrew Schulz pleaded guilty on May 13 to second-degree murder without regard, three counts of aggravated felony serious injury by vehicle, possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle.
Judge Robert Roupe sentenced Schulz to 283 to 352 months in prison — approximately 24 to 29 years — for the murder and related charges. Court records show he also received a consecutive sentence of 77 to 105 months for felony fleeing to elude arrest and habitual felon charges.
Court documents state Schulz will receive credit for 798 days spent in confinement prior to the judgment as a result of the charges.
The court also ordered Schulz to pay a total of $16,655.50 in court-related costs and fees, including $355.50 in court costs, $7,980 in jail fees, $8,245 in attorney’s fees, and a $75 appointment fee. No restitution or SBM fee was listed in the judgment.
The charges stem from a March 3, 2024, crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and Hestron Drive near Crystal Coast Plaza in Morehead City.
Authorities said a Morehead City police officer attempted to stop Schulz after observing him driving erratically along Highway 70. Schulz failed to stop, leading to a short pursuit before the crash occurred. The officer was not involved in the collision and was not injured.
Investigators said a family of four in a 2020 Toyota Tacoma was leaving Crystal Coast Plaza and making a left turn eastbound onto Highway 70 on a green light when Schulz allegedly entered the intersection against a red light at a high rate of speed in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Jeep struck the front driver’s side of the Toyota, causing both vehicles to travel a considerable distance from the intersection.
Nathaniel Leonard, 46, of Morehead City, was driving the Toyota Tacoma. His wife, Suellen Leonard, 44, was in the front passenger seat, and their two juvenile children were riding in the back seat.
Suellen Leonard died as a result of the crash. The remaining family members suffered injuries.
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