North Charleston, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Xavier Rosado has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a tragic DUI crash on Interstate 26 that claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman and left a 22-year-old male passenger with serious injuries. The incident, which occurred at a speed of 139 mph, highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving. Rosado fled the scene and attempted to mislead authorities about the circumstances surrounding the crash. His conviction serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving.
North Charleston – A North Charleston man, Xavier Rosado, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a deadly DUI crash on Interstate 26 that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman and serious injuries to a 22-year-old male passenger. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Dale Van Slambrook, comes as a culmination of Rosado’s guilty plea on charges including reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of October 4, 2021, around 1 a.m. near mile marker 214, when Rosado was driving a Porsche Cayenne at the alarming speed of approximately 139 mph. He crashed into the rear of a Nissan SUV, causing it to overturn and trap the two victims inside. The driver of the Nissan suffered fatal injuries and later died, while the passenger endured multiple serious injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured vertebra, lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and a loss of smell.
Following the crash, Rosado fled the scene on foot without attempting to aid the victims. A passerby who witnessed the aftermath called 911, prompting a swift response from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and emergency services. It took about 30 minutes for the North Charleston Fire Department to safely extricate the victims from the wreckage.
Investigators linked Rosado to the crash through a combination of evidence, including phone records, his physical injuries consistent with the wreck, and DNA found inside the Porsche. Notably, 20 minutes post-crash, Rosado falsely reported that his vehicle had been stolen from a North Charleston nightclub, which was ultimately disproven.
Charges against Rosado included reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with death, and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury. The maximum sentence for the charges of reckless homicide and leaving the scene with great bodily injury is 10 years in prison, whereas leaving the scene with death could have resulted in a sentence of up to 25 years. Rosado entered his guilty plea just before the case was set to go to trial.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigator Timmy Finch, emphasizing the gravity of the consequences of impaired driving. Authorities hope that the sentencing serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the irreversible impact it can have on lives.
Background Context
This incident highlights the alarming issue of DUI-related accidents in South Carolina, where the legal blood alcohol limit is set at 0.08%. The state has been working to combat this problem through various initiatives, including legislation and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drunk driving incidents and holding offenders accountable for their actions. The tragic loss of life and severe injuries resulting from such incidents continue to spark discussions regarding road safety and the importance of responsible driving practices.
FAQs
What was Xavier Rosado’s sentence?
Xavier Rosado was sentenced to 10 years in prison for charges related to a fatal crash on Interstate 26.
What were the circumstances of the crash?
The crash occurred on October 4, 2021, when Rosado, driving a Porsche Cayenne at approximately 139 mph, rear-ended a Nissan SUV, resulting in a fatality and serious injuries.
What were the injuries sustained by the victims?
The driver of the Nissan died from her injuries, while the passenger suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured vertebra, and a traumatic brain injury.
What charges did Rosado face?
Rosado faced charges of reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with death, and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Xavier Rosado |
| Sentence | 10 years in prison |
| Incident Date | October 4, 2021 |
| Crash Speed | Approximately 139 mph |
| Victim Fatality | 23-year-old female driver |
| Passenger Injuries | Multiple injuries, including traumatic brain injury |
| Crash Location | Interstate 26, near mile marker 214 |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Count On 2
- Google Search: DUIs in South Carolina
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Reckless Homicide
- Live 5 News Traffic Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Count On 2 Traffic Report
- Google News: Interstate 26 Crash
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.
