Hickory Woman Stephanie Leighann Harris Sentenced to 6-8 Years for Fatal Crash That Killed 19-Year-Old Coble Hartman
HICKORY, NC (May 6, 2025) — A 31-year-old woman from Hickory, Stephanie Leighann Harris, has been sentenced to six to eight years in prison for the death of 19-year-old Coble Hartman in a fatal traffic accident. Harris was convicted on charges of aggravated felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired, and driving with a revoked license following a hearing in Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
The tragedy unfolded on April 13, 2024, when Hartman, a resident of Taylorsville, was riding his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 70 in Hickory. Harris, driving a passenger vehicle, attempted a left turn into his path, causing a violent collision at approximately 11:37 p.m. Hartman was rushed to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Harris’s Blood Alcohol Content Twice the Legal Limit
Following the crash, Harris was subjected to a sobriety test, revealing that her blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit. It was also revealed that Harris had a prior DWI conviction from Burke County in February 2019, which contributed to the severity of her sentence.
In court, Harris pleaded guilty to the charges related to Hartman’s death. The sentence, handed down by Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams, is a reminder of the dangerous consequences of impaired driving and the importance of accountability for reckless actions behind the wheel.
The Hartman Family’s Message of Forgiveness
During the emotional hearing, the parents of Coble Hartman addressed Harris directly. Jeff Hartman, Coble’s father, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his son but also spoke of his commitment to love and forgiveness. “He was the best of us,” Jeff Hartman said, acknowledging the bright future his son had ahead of him.
Carol Hartman, Coble’s mother, shared a poignant message of hope for Harris. “I hope that, from this tragedy, you become kinder, softer, and lighter,” she said, adding that her son would want Harris to know that “things will be okay.”
The victim’s parents have consistently shown grace despite their grief, offering an example of resilience and compassion in the face of unimaginable loss.
Investigation and Legal Process
The case was thoroughly investigated by Amanda Efird, a detective with the Hickory Police Department, with support from Assistant District Attorney Melanie Earles and Legal Assistant Jordan Arney. The prosecution emphasized that Harris’s actions on that fateful night, compounded by her high level of intoxication and prior history of impaired driving, made the tragic crash avoidable.
Community Impact
The death of Coble Hartman has left a deep void in the local community. Hartman was known for his love of motorcycles and his ambition, and his passing has been mourned by classmates, teammates, and friends. Local residents and the Austin Peay University community, where Hartman had plans to attend, have rallied in support of his family and in remembrance of his bright future.
As the legal process comes to a close, the Hartman family continues to navigate their grief, finding solace in their message of forgiveness and their commitment to honoring their son’s memory.
Final Thoughts
The sentencing of Stephanie Leighann Harris brings a measure of closure to a tragic case, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. The crash that claimed Coble Hartman’s life will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him, and his family’s call for love and forgiveness echoes a powerful message about healing in the face of loss.