YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A judge rejected a 12-year plea deal for a driver accused of killing a 66-year-old man in a crash, prompting applause from the victim’s family in the courtroom.
The judge turned down the agreement after hearing details about the defendant’s history of DUI and drug convictions.
Walter Duncan is charged with felony DUI resulting in death in the crash that killed Bruce Walker on Aug. 12 of last year.
According to prosecutors, Duncan was driving 82 mph in a 45-mph zone when he slammed into the back of Walker’s car.
Prosecutors also said Duncan’s blood alcohol level was 0.13 several hours after the crash, above the legal limit.
During the hearing, the solicitor’s office said Duncan had seven previous DUI convictions and four marijuana convictions dating back to 1989.
“This defendant has been DUI and using drugs for the past 35-40 years,” said Matthew Shelton with the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. “He has not learned anything.”
The judge ultimately refused to accept the negotiated plea agreement, saying 12 years was not enough.
Walker’s family applauded the decision. His nephew, Randy Vickers, said he never wanted the plea deal and described the terror Walker may have experienced in the moments before the crash.
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