Columbia Police is charging a man with DUI and felony after crashing his vehicle and killing the man in his passenger's seat. It was during the Christmas Eve when the fatal crash happened.
According to The State, the 23-year-old man, Piere Deshawn Ray, is being charged with simple possession of marijuana and with felony DUI resulting in death. Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said the man is being accused of driving a car in the 1800 block of Two Notch Road shortly after 11 p.m. on December 24, last year. Ray was allegedly speeding when the crash occurred, the investigators said. He lost control of the vehicle before the car strike a curb and crashed into numerous metal poles and with a brick wall.
WLTX reported that Ray's passenger's name was James M. Lightbourne. James, 24, died at a local hospital. Blunt force trauma associated with the crash was the reason of his death. The authorities also stated that Lightbourne was not wearing a seat belt during the crash. Richland County Coroner Gary Watts confirmed the reports saying the man who died, indeed, was not wearing a seatbelt.
Both men were taken to the hospital after the incident happened, stated the Wach. James Lightbourne did not survive the fatal crash and surrendered to his injuries. It was Sunday night when James Lightbourne died due to his injuries. Ray, the driver, is staying at the hospital and he is still recovering from the damage he got from the incident. He is receiving medical treatment before he goes into trial on court for his charges.
It was also reported that marijuana was found on Ray's car. The police searched his vehicle and found the said drugs.
It was not stated until when Ray will be in the hospital or if any family members went there. It was also not reported how severe Ray's injuries were.
