A 21-year-old Grand Bay man was racing his vehicle at a high rate of speed when it came over a hill and struck two motorcyclists, killing one, in Theodore last week, according to police statements found in court documents.

Jonathan V. Wheeler Jr., who will turn 22 later this month, was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche on Old Pascagoula Road near Kingsridge Road last Tuesday when it struck the two motorcyclists. Darren Balthaser, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene and 18-year-old Dylan Wilkerson was sent to the hospital with serious injuries.

Wheeler is charged with two felony counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death. Wheeler is currently free on $25,000 bond, with a stipulation of his release prohibiting him from driving a vehicle while on bond.

Wheeler, through attorney Jim Byrd, has pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27.

If convicted, Wheeler would face a sentence of 1-10 years in prison per count and a fine of up to $15,000.