Arrest Made in 34-Year-Old Charlotte Hit-and-Run Cold Case
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After more than three decades, a significant breakthrough has occurred in a tragic hit-and-run case that left the Charlotte community searching for answers. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the death of Ruth Buchanan, who was fatally struck while crossing a busy intersection in 1989.
The Incident
On December 29, 1989, 52-year-old Buchanan was attempting to cross the intersection at Fifth and North Tryon streets when a dark-colored vehicle ran a red light, colliding with her. The driver fled the scene, leaving Buchannan gravely injured. She was rushed to what was then known as Charlotte Memorial Hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Discovery of Evidence
In early 1990, law enforcement recovered a dark blue vehicle linked to the incident, identified through a matching license plate number. This vehicle had been reported stolen, but despite leads, the case went cold for over three decades.
A New Lead in 2022
In 2022, Crime Stoppers received an anonymous tip regarding the case, which, although pointing to a suspect, did not yield a direct connection to the hit-and-run. However, police utilized this tip as a springboard for further investigation. They enlisted the help of the CMPD Crime Lab to reanalyze physical evidence from the suspect’s car.
The Breakthrough
Advancements in DNA analysis and careful examination of previous evidence ultimately led investigators to identify Herbert Stanback, now 68 years old, as the prime suspect. It was discovered that Stanback was currently serving a 22-year sentence for an unrelated crime at the Scotland Correctional Institution.
Confession and Charges
In March 2024, detectives approached Stanback in prison, where he allegedly confessed to being the driver who hit Buchanan. He stated he was on a work-release program at the time of the accident. Following his admission, a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death.
After being formally charged in June 2024, Stanback’s arrest brings a long-awaited sense of closure to a case that had haunted the community for decades.
Community Reaction
The news of the arrest has sparked a wave of relief and sorrow amongst residents who still remember the tragic incident and its impact on the family of Ruth Buchanan. As the wheels of justice finally turn for this cold case, the Charlotte community expresses hope that this will inspire further efforts to resolve other unresolved cases.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to encourage anyone with additional information regarding cold cases to come forward, reminding the community that even the oldest of cases can still find justice.
