What is the latest development in the Charleston hit-and-run case?

Two men previously charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run in downtown Charleston are now facing additional felony charges.

Who are the individuals facing new charges?

Seth Carlson, 32, and Max Gentilin, 25, are the two men facing new charges.

Who were the victims of the hit-and-run?

The victims of the hit-and-run were Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber.

When did the original hit-and-run incident occur?

The original hit-and-run incident occurred on April 28, 2024.

What were the initial charges against Max Gentilin?

Max Gentilin was initially charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

Are there any civil lawsuits related to this incident?

Yes, an amended lawsuit over the fatal hit-and-run has named two Lowcountry bars.

January 9, 2026

New Felony Charges Filed in Deadly Charleston Hit-and-Run

Charleston, January 9, 2026

Two men linked to a tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the deaths of Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber in downtown Charleston are now facing additional felony charges. The incident, which occurred in April, involved separate vehicles striking the victims, prompting ongoing legal action and community advocacy for justice. The new charges reflect developments in the case, highlighting the serious implications of such criminal actions and the continued scrutiny from law enforcement.

Charleston, SC – New Felony Charges Filed in Deadly Hit-and-Run Case

Charleston, SC – Two men previously charged in connection with a tragic hit-and-run incident in downtown Charleston, which claimed the lives of two women, are now facing additional felony charges. These new charges have been filed recently, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the April 2024 fatality.

The individuals involved, Seth Carlson, 32, and Max Gentilin, 25, are already facing initial charges stemming from the incident where two young women, Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber, were killed. The recent filing of additional felony charges indicates a deepening of the legal complexities and the continued pursuit of justice for the victims. The precise nature of these latest felony charges has not been explicitly detailed at this time.

Original Incident and Initial Charges

The deadly incident occurred on April 28, 2024, in the early morning hours on Morrison Drive in downtown Charleston. Investigations revealed that Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber were struck by two separate vehicles in quick succession. Seth Carlson was reportedly driving the first vehicle, a Chevrolet truck, which struck the women near the Morrison Drive bike lane. Approximately 30 minutes later, Max Gentilin, allegedly driving an Acura car, also struck the victims. Both drivers are accused of fleeing the scene of the accident.

Following the incident, both men were arrested and charged. Seth Carlson faces two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Max Gentilin was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the grievous nature of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it, including allegations that Carlson appeared intoxicated at the time of the crash. Carlson’s bond was set at $600,000, and he was placed on house arrest with an ankle monitor, surrendering his passport. Gentilin was released on a $300,000 bond.

Ongoing Legal Developments and Community Impact

The introduction of additional felony charges underscores the gravity with which law enforcement and prosecutors are approaching this case. Such developments often stem from further evidence collection, new witness testimonies, or a deeper review of existing information, leading to expanded legal accountability. The legal process for cases involving serious felonies, particularly those resulting in fatalities, is often extensive and involves multiple stages, from initial charges and bond hearings to preliminary hearings, grand jury indictments, and eventual trials.

Beyond the criminal proceedings, the incident has also led to civil action. An amended lawsuit related to the fatal hit-and-run was filed, naming two Lowcountry bars. This civil suit suggests an investigation into potential liability beyond the drivers directly involved, possibly examining circumstances such as alcohol service preceding the tragic event.

The deaths of Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber profoundly impacted their families and the wider Charleston community. Family members of the victims have been vocal throughout the proceedings, advocating for justice and legislative changes to address hit-and-run incidents more severely. The continuous legal battles, while emotionally taxing for the families, represent an enduring commitment to honoring the lives lost and seeking full accountability for those deemed responsible.

The ongoing nature of this case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the severe consequences of reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. As the additional felony charges proceed through the court system, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings a measure of peace and justice to the victims’ families. Law enforcement agencies continue their diligent work to ensure all facts are uncovered and appropriate legal actions are taken.

Further Background

The investigation into the April 2024 incident involved significant efforts from the Charleston Police Department’s major accident team. Surveillance footage from the S.C. State Ports Authority played a crucial role in piecing together the events of that fateful morning. The Charleston police chief had previously emphasized the dedication of investigators to pursuing justice for Lizzie and Arianna, highlighting the profound tragedy caused by the decisions of the two individuals involved. The case marked a rare occurrence for Charleston, being identified as the first double fatal pedestrian-auto accident of 2024 at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the latest development in the Charleston hit-and-run case?: Two men previously charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run in downtown Charleston are now facing additional felony charges.
Who are the individuals facing new charges?: Seth Carlson, 32, and Max Gentilin, 25, are the two men facing new charges.
Who were the victims of the hit-and-run?: The victims of the hit-and-run were Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber.
When did the original hit-and-run incident occur?: The original hit-and-run incident occurred on April 28, 2024.
What were the initial charges against Seth Carlson?: Seth Carlson was initially charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
What were the initial charges against Max Gentilin?: Max Gentilin was initially charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death.
Are there any civil lawsuits related to this incident?: Yes, an amended lawsuit over the fatal hit-and-run has named two Lowcountry bars.

Key Features of the Deadly Charleston Hit-and-Run Case

Feature	Details
Event	Deadly Hit-and-Run
Location of Incident	Downtown Charleston, Morrison Drive
Date of Original Incident	April 28, 2024
Accused Individuals	Seth Carlson (32) and Max Gentilin (25)
Victims	Two women: Lizzie Zito and Arianna Gamber
Latest Development	Facing additional felony charges (filed recently, within last 48 hours)
Initial Charges (Carlson)	Two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
Initial Charges (Gentilin)	Two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death
Related Civil Action	Amended lawsuit naming two Lowcountry bars
Current Status	Ongoing investigation and legal proceedings

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