Steven Ernest Mays, Jr., age 41, of Pelion, was sentenced earlier this week following a guilty plea in Lexington County to Felony DUI resulting in Death. Circuit Court Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr. imposed a lengthy prison sentence of twenty (20) years incarceration. Under South Carolina law, Felony DUI resulting in Death is classified as a violent crime and a “no parole” offense.

The case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Todd Wagoner. Wagoner stated, “This case is another example of someone making a life altering decision after drinking. Tragedies of this nature are entirely preventable.”

On June 23, 2018, Mays was speeding and unlawfully passing other vehicles on Highway 178 in the Pelion area of Lexington County.  He lost control of his pickup truck, struck a ditch, and the vehicle overturned several times.  A passenger in the pickup truck was his cousin, Robert Andrew Mays, age 40.  The passenger was ejected and died at a local hospital as a result of his injuries. 

Troopers obtained a blood sample from Steven Mays Jr. following the crash. SLED analyzed the blood sample, finding a blood alcohol level of .15.

The case was investigated by the S.C. Highway Patrol, led by Trooper Jason Gilbert and the Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team.

https://www.abccolumbia.com/2019/12/20/pelion-man-gets-20-years-for-dui-crash-that-killed-cousin/