North Charleston, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Xavier Rosado, a North Charleston resident, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The charges stem from a crash where Rosado was driving at 139 mph and collided with an SUV, resulting in the tragic death of a 23-year-old woman and serious injuries to a male passenger. The court highlighted the severe consequences of reckless driving following the sentencing.
North Charleston man Xavier Rosado has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with death, and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury. The sentencing was handed down on Monday by Judge Dale Van Slambrook.
Rosado’s plea occurred just as the state was preparing to take the case to trial. Under South Carolina law, the maximum sentence for both reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury is 10 years, while leaving the scene with death carries a stiffer penalty, with a maximum sentence of 25 years.
The crash that led to Rosado’s sentencing took place on October 4, 2021, around 1 a.m. on Interstate 26 eastbound, near mile marker 214. It has been reported that Rosado was driving a Porsche Cayenne at an alarming speed of approximately 139 mph when he collided with the rear of a Nissan SUV carrying two occupants.
The impact of the crash caused the Nissan to veer off the highway and overturn onto a grassy shoulder. Instead of stopping to help, Rosado fled the scene on foot without rendering aid or notifying emergency services about the incident. Passersby witnessed the crash and promptly called 911, prompting a response from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and subsequent rescue efforts.
It took approximately 30 minutes for the North Charleston Fire Department to extricate the victims from the overturned vehicle. The driver of the Nissan, a 23-year-old woman, tragically succumbed to her injuries. The passenger, a 22-year-old man, sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, a broken vertebra, lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and loss of smell.
In a rather perplexing turn of events, around 20 minutes after the crash, Rosado falsely reported his car as stolen from a North Charleston nightclub. However, investigators were able to establish his guilt through various means, including phone records, physical injuries sustained during the crash, and DNA evidence collected from the airbag and front seat of his vehicle.
The case against Rosado was prosecuted by Senior Litigator Timmy Finch, who presented evidence demonstrating the devastating consequences of Rosado’s reckless behavior.
The sentenced 10 years in prison reflects the seriousness of the charges against Rosado and serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of reckless driving and its impact on innocent lives.
FAQ
What was Xavier Rosado sentenced for?
Xavier Rosado was sentenced to 10 years in prison for reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with death, and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury.
What caused the crash involving Rosado?
The crash was caused by Rosado driving his Porsche Cayenne at approximately 139 mph and colliding with the rear of a Nissan SUV.
What were the consequences of the crash?
The crash resulted in the death of the 23-year-old female driver of the Nissan and serious injuries to the 22-year-old male passenger.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Xavier Rosado |
| Sentence | 10 years in prison |
| Date of Incident | October 4, 2021 |
| Location | Interstate 26, near mile marker 214 |
| Vehicle Speed | Approximately 139 mph |
| Victims | One deceased, one severely injured |
| Charges | Reckless homicide, leaving the scene with death, leaving the scene with great bodily injury |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Count On 2 News
- Wikipedia: Reckless Driving
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: man sentenced for leaving the scene of accident
- ABC News 4
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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