20 year old sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to DUI causing death
20 year old sentenced to prison for fatal DUI incident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Seventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, has announced that a man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony driving under the influence (death).
Details of the Fatal Crash
On the morning of September 11, 2021, officers from Duncan Police and Lyman Police were stationed on Highway 29 near Barnett Road when they observed a white sedan speeding past them at over 120 miles per hour.
identified as 20-year-old Jackson James Smith, the driver of the sedan led officers on a high-speed pursuit before colliding with a Honda Civic on Highway 29 near Pine Ridge Road.
The crash resulted in severe damage to the Honda, causing the fuel tank to rupture and the trunk to be pushed into the vehicle. Tragically, the driver of the Honda, identified as Lizette Soto-Diaz, succumbed to her injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Driver’s Impairment and Admission
Following the crash, Jackson James Smith’s vehicle came to a stop approximately 80 to 100 yards from the roadway. A blood test revealed that Smith had a blood alcohol level of .184 and traces of THC in his system, indicating impairment.
During questioning, Smith admitted to consuming alcohol on a weekly basis and using marijuana daily. He also confessed to leaving his house without permission on the night of the incident, despite being grounded by his parents.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to felony DUI with Death in connection to the fatal crash. In addition to his 17-year prison sentence, he was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,100.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, highlighting the importance of responsible and sober driving to prevent unnecessary loss of life on the roads.
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felony DUI death sentence
20-year-old sentenced to prison for DUI death.
