Michael Charles Henley charged with murder over fatal crash that killed Nick Darling

A man allegedly behind the wheel of a speeding car involved in a fatal crash has had his charges upgraded to murder.

A driver allegedly behind the wheel of a silver Ford sedan involved in a fatal crash has had his charges upgraded to murder.

Michael Charles Henley, 20, was initially charged with manslaughter over the death of Nick Darling on Flaxmill Rd in Morphett Vale in July last year.

His alleged passenger in the Ford sedan, Joshua Rossborough, was also charged with manslaughter and driving charges similar to Mr Henley.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday prosecutor Clare Mignorance told Magistrate Simon Smart that a new file was being laid.

Under the new information Mr Henley is charged with murder, endangering life and leaving the scene of an accident after causing death.

Michael Henley is charged with murder over the fatal crash. Photo: SA Police

Mr Henley appeared briefly via video link from custody where he has resided since being arrested after the crash.

Mr Rossborough is charged with impeding an investigation and the charge of manslaughter was withdrawn against him.

He is also facing other offences including breaching Covid requirements and failing to answer police questions.

The pair will reappear in court in April.

Mr Darling died while sitting in the passenger seat of a Toyota Hilux when a silver Ford sedan slammed into the vehicle.

His friend, Lewis Bennett, who was driving the car was left with non-life threatening injuries.

The Ford left the scene and was later found burnt out in Reynella.

Ruby Dayman – Mr Darling’s girlfriend – was four and a half months pregnant at the time of the crash. Mr Darling was also step-father to Ms Dayman’s young son.

Police issued an appeal for help, including releasing a photo of Mr Henley over the crash investigation.

Mr Henley later handed himself into police.