North Charleston, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Xavier Marcelino Rosado has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless homicide and two counts of felony hit-and-run, resulting from a fatal accident that killed 23-year-old Jennifer Anne Demyan. The incident occurred when Rosado’s vehicle rear-ended another car at high speed, after which he fled the scene. Rosado’s actions led to serious legal repercussions and sparked discussions on accountability for reckless driving in the community.
North Charleston – Xavier Marcelino Rosado, a 29-year-old resident of North Charleston, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless homicide and two counts of felony hit-and-run stemming from a fatal accident that killed 23-year-old Jennifer Anne Demyan, a College of Charleston graduate. Rosado’s sentence was announced after he entered a plea during jury selection related to a trial for the hit-and-run incident.
On October 4, 2021, Rosado was driving a 2004 Porsche and rear-ended a 2016 Nissan on Interstate 26, near mile marker 214, at a high rate of speed. The crash claimed the life of Demyan and left her male passenger with serious injuries. Following the collision, Rosado fled the scene without providing assistance to the victims or notifying authorities of the incident, a decision that contributed to the severity of the charges against him.
Approximately 20 minutes after the accident, Rosado reported his vehicle stolen, claiming he was attacked. However, officers found inconsistencies in his story during questioning, especially since he had no visible injuries that would support his claim. His actions led to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Demyan’s father, Bret Demyan, in February 2022, which was settled for $650,000.
In addition to the charges stemming from the hit-and-run incident, it was revealed that Rosado was out on bond at the time for an unrelated theft case. He had been arrested in May 2020 for allegedly defrauding another man out of a motorcycle. The sentencing of Rosado has sparked discussions on accountability in fatal accidents, especially in cases involving hit-and-run incidents.
The investigation into another fatal hit-and-run accident is currently underway involving 24-year-old Chemar Ny’Zell Washington from Jamestown. Washington has been charged with reckless homicide and leaving the scene of a collision with death following a June incident in which he struck pedestrian Jermaine Brown, 25, at high speed while passing a vehicle over a double yellow line. Brown died from blunt force injuries as a result of the crash, which occurred shortly after midnight on June 19 at the intersection of Otranto Road and Emmie Street. Washington is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center with a bond set at $25,000.
This recent trend of serious accidents and hit-and-run incidents has raised concerns in the community about the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to ensure safety on the roads. As law enforcement agencies investigate cases such as those involving Rosado and Washington, many in the community are advocating for greater accountability for reckless drivers.
Key Details of the Rosado Case
- Incident Date: October 4, 2021
- Victim: Jennifer Anne Demyan, 23
- Charges: Reckless homicide, two counts of felony hit-and-run
- Sentence: 10 years in prison (5 months credit for time served)
- Plea Date: July 28, 2023, during jury selection
About the Washington Case
- Incident Date: June 19, 2022
- Victim: Jermaine Brown, 25
- Charges: Reckless homicide, leaving the scene of a collision with death
- Status: Held at Al Cannon Detention Center with $25,000 bond
Conclusion
The sentencing of Xavier Marcelino Rosado marks a significant moment in addressing the consequences of reckless driving and hit-and-run incidents in South Carolina. As the impact of these events continues to resonate in the community, discussions regarding appropriate legal measures and support for victims’ families are increasingly important.
FAQs
What was Xavier Rosado charged with?
Xavier Rosado was charged with reckless homicide and two counts of felony hit-and-run following the fatal accident that resulted in the death of Jennifer Anne Demyan.
What was the outcome of the wrongful death lawsuit?
Jennifer Demyan’s father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Xavier Rosado, which was settled for $650,000.
What happened in the separate hit-and-run case involving Chemar Washington?
Chemar Ny’Zell Washington was charged with reckless homicide and leaving the scene of a collision with death after fatally striking pedestrian Jermaine Brown.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Xavier Rosado Sentenced
- ABC News 4: Suspect Arrested in Hit-and-Run
- Count on 2: Man Accused in Hit-and-Run Collision
- Live 5 News: Coroner Names Victim in Hit-and-Run
- Wikipedia: Hit and Run
- Google Search: North Charleston Hit-and-Run
- Google Scholar: Hit and Run Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Google News: North Charleston Crime
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
