ROCK HILL, S.C. — A judge has denied a Fort Mill man bond for the second time, saying he tested positive for marijuana and kratom in his system during a crash that took the life of an Indian Land mother in February.
Joel Smith, 22, now faces up to 35 years if convicted of felony DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide, according to our partners at The Charlotte Observer.
Police believe Smith was speeding when he exited I‑77 onto Celanese Road on Feb. 27. Then, investigators say his Hyundai went airborne, crossed the median, and hit two vehicles. One of which was 43-year-old Marybeth Robinson’s minivan. The mother of two was taken to the hospital where she died.
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- Driver charged with reckless homicide after deadly Rock Hill crash
- Man faces felony DUI after fatal Rock Hill crash in February
Initially, Smith was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and operating an uninsured vehicle. His charges were recently upgraded after a toxicology report allegedly indicated Smith was under the influence of drugs that rendered him unable to safely operate his vehicle at the time of the crash.
Smith previously testified that he had used marijuana and kratom products, but not before the crash.
The driver has not been convicted of any crimes from the deadly crash. No trial date has been set.
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