Accident – death – Obituary News :

Chester County Courtroom Filled with Emotion as Pleas for Bond Denial Resound

CHESTER, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – The Chester County Courtroom was consumed by grief and sorrow on Monday morning as loved ones fervently implored a judge to deny bond for the individual believed to be responsible for the tragic demise of a mother and her unborn child.

Kaitlyn Potter, an expectant mother, tragically lost her life in October of 2023. Alongside her, her unborn baby boy, Maverick, also perished. Law enforcement officials reveal that the driver responsible for the fatal incident has now been identified as 43-year-old Charles Jones III, who was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

“Our granddaughter has repeatedly expressed her longing for her mother, wishing she could have one more touch from her”, says Sandra Potter, Kaitlyn’s mother, her voice trembling with grief.

In an emotionally charged courtroom, Sandra and numerous other loved ones filled the space, reliving the heart-wrenching moments when they received the devastating news of Kaitlyn and Maverick’s untimely deaths. Authorities explain that Jones crashed into another vehicle before colliding with Potter’s car, resulting in their tragic demise.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 3 PM on October 25th, 2023, as Jones was travelling on Highway 72 in Chester County. He first struck a pickup truck before colliding with Potter’s car. Tragically, Kaitlyn and Maverick lost their lives at the crash site. Potter’s other two children, 3-year-old Jamison and 5-year-old Natalee, were also present in the car and sustained injuries. Jamison, who has undergone multiple surgeries, continues to fight for his life in a hospital in Charlotte. Family members revealed in court that Natalee believed her brother had passed away due to the severity of his injuries.

Officials confirm that Jones was also injured in the collision, which led to the postponement of his bond hearing. Jones received medical treatment in a hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation center.

Warrants were obtained for Jones of Laurens, South Carolina, last week. These warrants were served to him during the court hearing on Monday. He now faces charges of felony DUI resulting in death, causing the death of a child in utero during the commission of a violent crime, and felony DUI with great bodily injury.

Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman revealed that first responders at the scene detected the strong odor of alcohol. Jones consented to a blood sample, and subsequent tests revealed that his blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was 0.277, three times the legal limit.

Newman also informed the judge that Jones has been previously convicted of three DUI offenses in South Carolina and possibly one in Florida.

“People need to wake up. We just had another DUI incident in Fairfield County over the weekend. There is absolutely no justification for repeatedly having DUI incidents, especially those resulting in fatalities,” states Newman, emphasizing the urgency for change.

The civil attorneys representing the Potter, Johnson, and Baker families, associated with Gaston, Marion & Stubbs, expressed their frustration with the significant delay in serving warrants to Jones.

“This has been a long time coming. It has been 11 weeks since the incident occurred on October 25th. The family has endured immense suffering in silence due to the defendant’s injuries. However, today, we are grateful to be here,” says Everett Stubbs.

Stubbs adds that they, along with the family, are appreciative of the efforts made by law enforcement and the solicitor’s office to ensure justice prevails.

Jones is currently held at the Chester County Detention Center. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 65 years behind bars. Authorities are still investigating the reasons behind Jones’ presence in the area at the time of the crash. Records indicate that his registered address is in Laurens, South Carolina. Additionally, it has come to light that Jones owns a construction business in Jacksonville, Florida.

Kaitlyn Potter leaves behind not only her two children but also her fiancé.

Solicitor Newman requested the community to keep Jamison in their prayers as he faces an arduous journey to recovery from his injuries.

A GoFundMe account has been established to assist the affected families during this difficult time.

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