A young woman accused of a fatal hit-and-run in Adelaide’s northern suburbs has been ordered to stand trial in South Australia’s Supreme Court after entering a plea of not guilty to murder.

Hayley Catherine McCarthy-Long, 22, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court where she formally denied charges of murder, endangering life, and leaving the scene of an accident. The Stockport resident is accused of striking and killing 25-year-old Andrews Farm father Daniel Harrison with a vehicle in Hillier on November 11, 2025.

The murder charge is an upgrade from an initial charge of causing death by dangerous driving filed against Ms. McCarthy-Long earlier in the investigation.

Family Demands Justice Outside Court

Speaking to reporters outside the court building, the victim's younger sister, Kashaya Harrison, shared the deep grief her family has been experiencing since the loss of her brother, affectionately known as "DJ."

"DJ was a loving and caring son, father, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend," Ms. Harrison said. "He would give you anything even if he had nothing. He deserved to make it home."

Ms. Harrison described the emotional toll on the family, stating they are "all over the place" and left carrying "a pain that never leaves."

Defense Claims Vehicle Was Under Attack

The court has previously heard conflicting details regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Defense lawyer Stacey Carter has argued that Ms. McCarthy-Long was driving a vehicle containing four young women—including one minor—when they were targeted by a group of men that included Mr. Harrison.

"My client was in a vehicle when her vehicle was being attacked quite savagely by the deceased," Ms. Carter stated during an earlier hearing. She alleged that men armed with weapons, including bats, machetes, and poles, had surrounded the car.

Police Investigation Continues

Prosecutors have painted a different picture of the events leading up to the crash. The court previously heard that police are reviewing extensive CCTV footage from the Hillier area. Authorities believe the confrontation was not a spontaneous accident, noting evidence in the brief suggests two distinct groups of people had intentionally met at the location.

Prosecutor Stamatina Halikias previously indicated that police investigations are ongoing, including efforts to retrieve a video recording allegedly filmed from inside the defendant's vehicle during the incident.

Ms. McCarthy-Long is scheduled to be formally arraigned in South Australia's Supreme Court later this year.