On a recent Sunday evening, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and local police responded to an accident scene in New Ellenton. Upon arrival, they found the body of a 15-year-old teenage boy who had been struck by a car. The driver who reportedly knocked the boy down is now facing several charges, including drunk driving. The accident investigation is reportedly ongoing.
According to an accident report, the driver of the vehicle that struck the boy failed to remain at the accident scene and render aid to the injured victim. However, a 20-year-old Aiken resident reportedly later surrendered to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, purportedly admitting that he was responsible for the accident. Although an autopsy was scheduled, the coroner who pronounced the boy dead at the scene said the victim suffered multiple bodily traumas.
According to authorities, the driver who claimed responsibility was charged with felony driving under the influence causing death, leaving an accident scene at which a fatality occurred and driving on a suspended license. It is not known how much time elapsed between the time of the accident and the time when the accused driver reported to authorities. When and how it was determined that the driver was intoxicated is also not known.
The driver’s first appearance in a South Carolina court is scheduled for March 11, and he will likely rely upon the services of an experienced drunk driving defense attorney. A lawyer can scrutinize the details of each charge, and also the procedures of determining the level of intoxication at the time of the crash. Based on the information obtained, an attorney can fight to protect the rights of the accused driver, who can only be convicted if and when the prosecution prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: wrdw.com, “Friends talk to News 12 about teen killed in accident”, Kelly Wiley, Jan. 7, 2016
