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A Knightdale driver who allegedly caused the crash that killed a Granville County teen said he fell asleep at the wheel, according to a newly released search warrant.
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Caden Matthew Sanders, 19, faces a charge of misdemeanor death by vehicle and five other citations in the Aug. 17 crash, court records show.
The deadly crash occurred just before 8 a.m. on U.S. 15 near the intersection with White Oak Drive in Granville County, the warrant states.
Sanders’ blue 2005 Ford Explorer crossed into the other lane of traffic, hitting the driver side mirror of another vehicle, before striking a gray 2006 Ford Mustang driven by 16-year-old Emma Elizabeth Wallace, according to the citation in the case.
Sanders is thought to have been driving about 60 mph, but the citation doesn’t state what the speed limit was on that road. He told a State Highway Patrol trooper he “fell asleep at the wheel,” according to a search warrant.
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Sanders stayed at the scene and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, the warrant indicates.
Wallace is the daughter of Creedmoor School Resource Officer Cpl. Tony Wallace, according to a Facebook post by the city of Creedmoor. She played softball and volleyball at South Granville High School, her obituary states.
“Emma gained her wings, but she will never be far from us,” her obituary reads. “We will carry her laughter, her goodness, her fierce love, and her beautiful heart for the rest of our lives.”
At the time of the crash, Sanders also had a pending speeding citation after allegedly driving 54 mph in a 35 mph zone in Creedmoor in June, according to court records. Troopers allege he hadn’t updated his car inspection since July 2025 and had an expired registration.
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Sanders is next due in court in January, court records show.