19-Year-Old Receives 10-Year Sentence for Fatal DUI Crash in Clover, South Carolina

Clover, South Carolina: 19-Year-Old Sentenced to 10 Years for DUI Crash

A 19-year-old teenager in Clover, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of an opioid that led to a fatal crash. The case revolves around Jeffery Chase Miller, who faced charges stemming from an incident that resulted in the death of a 66-year-old woman, Reyna Guzman, on September 16, 2023.

What Happened

The crash occurred around 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon on Paraham Road. According to prosecutor Matthew Shelton, Miller’s vehicle crossed the center line, colliding head-on with Guzman’s car. Reyna Guzman, who was known for her active role in her church and community, died as a result of the crash. Her husband, Jose Guzman, sustained injuries but survived the incident.

Charges and Sentencing

Miller pleaded guilty to charges of DUI resulting in death and great bodily injury in a York County criminal court earlier this week. As a part of a plea deal, both the defense and prosecution agreed to a maximum sentence of 15 years combined for the charges. However, a judge has now handed down a 10-year prison sentence for Miller. The charges could have carried a maximum of 40 years in prison under South Carolina law.

Substance Involved

In this tragic incident, blood tests revealed that Miller had a considerable amount of fentanyl in his system at the time of the crash. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin, making it extremely dangerous and addictive. The accessibility and low cost of fentanyl have contributed to its widespread abuse, according to local law enforcement and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Reactions

Miller, who has no prior criminal record, expressed remorse through his legal representation. Defense attorney Gary Lemel noted, “This was a tragic situation for everyone involved. The Miller family is truly heartbroken for the losses sustained by the Guzman family.”

Community Impact and Reflection

The death of Reyna Guzman has left a profound impact on her family and the Clover community. She was remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who made significant contributions to her local church and community initiatives. Prosecutor Matthew Shelton highlighted the severity of the case and the pain it caused to the Guzman family.

The sentencing comes at a time when debates continue over the increasing prevalence of substance abuse and its consequences on South Carolina roads. Law enforcement hopes cases like this will increase awareness of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of powerful drugs like fentanyl.