Woman pleads not guilty over alleged hit-run crash murder

A 22-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to murdering a man she allegedly killed in a hit-run crash in northern Adelaide, South Australia. Hayley Catherine McCarthy-Long, from Stockport, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court and denied charges of murder, endangering life, and leaving the scene of an accident. The incident is alleged to have taken place on November 11, 2025, at Hillier, where police say she struck and killed 25-year-old Daniel Harrison, a father of two. According to prosecutors, Ms McCarthy-Long’s initial charge of causing death by dangerous driving was upgraded to murder earlier this year. The case gained attention following the release of CCTV footage and other evidence suggesting the crash was not a random occurrence. Police indicated that two groups of individuals were present at the scene, and that the situation involved more than just a simple collision. Daniel Harrison, known affectionately as “DJ,” was described by his younger sister, Kashaya Harrison, as a devoted family member who gave selflessly to others. She expressed deep sorrow over his loss, stating that the family is still struggling emotionally. “DJ was a loving and caring son, father, brother, cousin, nephew, friend… he would give you anything even if he had nothing,” she said. The family has been left in emotional turmoil since the incident. During an earlier hearing, Ms McCarthy-Long’s lawyer, Stacey Carter, presented a defense that suggested the circumstances surrounding the crash were more complex. She claimed that her client was part of a group of four young women, one of whom was underage, and that their vehicle was attacked by a group of men, some of whom were armed. According to Ms Carter, the deceased, Daniel Harrison, was among those involved in the attack. The prosecution, led by Stamatina Halikias, has stated that further investigation is necessary to locate a video allegedly recorded from inside the vehicle. This footage could provide critical insight into the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Police have also been reviewing CCTV footage from the area, which they believe shows that the incident was not a spontaneous collision. The court heard that there is evidence indicating that the crash was premeditated or at least planned. This includes the presence of multiple individuals at the scene and the nature of the confrontation between the two groups. While the exact details remain under investigation, the legal proceedings are moving forward with Ms McCarthy-Long set to appear before South Australia’s Supreme Court later this year. As the case progresses, the community continues to grapple with the tragedy. The Harrison family has called for justice and closure, while the legal system works to determine the truth behind the incident. With the trial looming, the focus remains on the evidence and testimony that will shape the outcome of this high-profile case.