Full Breakdown
Fatal Crash in Spartanburg County Claims Lives of Two Children
4/15/2026, 2:55:36 AM
Incident Overview
On April 12, 2026, at approximately 12:20 p.m., a tragic incident occurred on Asheville Highway at Brock Street in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, resulting in the deaths of two young boys. Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez, a 30-year-old driver, has been charged with two counts of felony DUI resulting in death, driving without a license, and having an open container in the vehicle. The victims, identified as 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith, were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk when Roblero-Perez's 2016 Honda Accord veered off the road and struck them.
Details of the Incident
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Roblero-Perez exhibited clear signs of intoxication at the scene, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Witnesses reported that he was unable to complete a field sobriety test and required assistance to remain upright. Both boys were transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. A passenger in the vehicle fled the scene and has not been located.
Community Response and Official Statements
The incident has sparked outrage within the Spartanburg community, with many calling for accountability and questioning the circumstances surrounding the crash. Family members of the victims expressed their grief, with Dereon's mother, Megan, recounting the harrowing moment she witnessed the crash. "I watched him almost hit me, and I then ran to my son while he bled to death," she stated.
Senator Tim Scott also commented on the tragedy, expressing condolences and linking the incident to broader concerns regarding border security. He stated, "This devastating loss is not an isolated tragedy—it is the direct result of Biden’s open border policies, and innocent Americans are paying the price."
Criticism and Opposition
The crash has reignited discussions about the implications of illegal immigration and road safety. Critics argue that incidents involving illegal immigrants highlight the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and road safety measures. Family members of the victims have urged the public to reconsider the dangers of impaired driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.
What's Next
Roblero-Perez is currently being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility, where a judge has denied him bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 18, 2026. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with authorities likely reviewing road safety policies and enforcement procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our hearts are heavy as we lift up the families of the two young boys whose lives were tragically taken in South Carolina,” — Sen. Tim Scott
- “If you decide to drink, stay at home. It is not a driving activity. It’s not fun. It’s not cool,” — Family member of Dereon James Robins
This incident underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving and raises critical questions about road safety and immigration enforcement in the United States.
