MADD for Daniel Watt

Jennifer Lichtneger, Durham, NC. Let’s Talk Durham Images

Exactly two years ago today, Daniel Watt (26) was tragically killed when an allegedly intoxicated driver, clocked at 143 mph, collided into his vehicle on the Durham Freeway. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reached out on behalf of Daniel and his family a few weeks ago. We talked to Jennifer Lichtneger, the organization’s Executive Director for North Carolina:

What compelled you to reach out?

We work with families of victims who don’t have the opportunity to engage in the community where the tragedy occurred. In the case of Daniel Watt, he was a young man who was killed in Durham. He lived in Durham and worked for Duke University, while his family lives elsewhere. His family wants to make sure that his name and legacy are honored. It’s also of paramount importance to Daniel’s family and friends that Daniel receive justice, and that the offender pays for his crimes. With this interview we hope to shed more light on this tragedy.

What is preventing justice in Daniel Watt’s case?

In 2021, the Durham County District Attorney’s Office told Daniel’s family they planned to pursue a second-degree murder charge against the driver who killed Daniel in an egregious manner. The offender crashed his vehicle into another car in which Daniel was a passenger on the Durham Freeway. The accused was allegedly intoxicated and driving over 140 mph, causing Daniel to be thrown out of the car, killing him instantly. In 2023, without notification to Daniel’s family, the Durham DA, Satana Deberry, cut a plea deal with the offender’s defense attorney. The deal was to reduce the charge to felony death by vehicle, which could carry substantially less prison time than a second-degree murder conviction. The DA was aware of the offender’s previous criminal record. And since the incident, the accused has been charged with assault and battery, as well as public intoxication.

Regardless of whether the DA feels that the new deal is fair, the Watt family was left in the dark. They were not given a chance to process the deal, and that was particularly painful to family members who feel that the offender has shown no remorse since Daniel’s death. In fact, two judges have already denied the plea deal offered to the offender by Ms. Deberry, so Daniel’s family must continue to wait to receive justice in this case. As victims’ advocates, it’s important we relay that message.

Can drunk driving be prevented and how?

We all know that we shouldn’t drive while impaired. There is no excuse, particularly in the Triangle. There is ample access to drive-shares and public transportation. At MADD we know that making plans before you go out is a way to ensure a safe return home. We advocate that if you are going out and know you will be drinking, please take a ride-share. Of course, some people will say those things are expensive, but let me tell you- a DUI charge is a hell of a lot more expensive than any cab fare.

How does the family of Daniel Watt want him to be remembered?

It’s hard for me to answer fully. At MADD we often don’t know the person before the tragedy. We learn parts of who the person was and what their aspirations were. Going back to Daniel, he was a young man who just started his job at Duke University and was engaged to be married. He was on a trajectory for great things to happen. He made his parents proud. He was very close with his brother and sister. They were a very tight knit family. Unfortunately, one day, someone made a horrible and extremely selfish decision that took all of that away, in an instant.

Daniel Watt with his girlfriend Elizabeth Greenlee and his parents.

Let’s Talk Durham has reached out to DA Satana Deberry’s office requesting an interview.

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