Rock Hill, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Charles Sidney Jones III has received a 25-year prison sentence for a DUI crash that led to the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about drunk driving safety in South Carolina. Jones had a blood alcohol concentration over three times the legal limit and has prior DUI convictions. This case has sparked discussions about stricter enforcement of DUI laws in the region.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Man Sentenced to 25 Years for DUI Crash that Killed Pregnant Mother and Unborn Child
Charles Sidney Jones III, a 45-year-old man from South Carolina, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following a tragic DUI incident that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The incident occurred in October 2023 and has raised significant concerns over drunk driving safety in the region.
Jones was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .277, which is more than three times the legal limit of .08 in South Carolina. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including DUI causing death, causing the death of a child in utero during the commission of a violent crime, and DUI causing great bodily injury. Chester County criminal court Judge Robert Hood issued the 25-year sentence during a recent court hearing.
The victim, identified as a resident of Rock Hill, was six months pregnant at the time of the crash. The fatal collision took place on Saluda Road near the York/Chester county line. The case was managed by 6th Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman, who emphasized the severe consequences of driving under the influence.
This incident is not Jones’s first encounter with the law regarding DUI offenses; he had prior DUI convictions before this tragic event unfolded. The repeated offenses and the grievous outcome of this particular case have ignited a call for stricter enforcement and awareness surrounding drunk driving laws in South Carolina.
Background Context
Drunk driving presents a significant issue across the United States, with many states implementing strict penalties to deter such behavior. South Carolina, in particular, has established a legal blood alcohol limit of .08, aligning with national standards. However, incidents like that involving Jones highlight ongoing challenges in preventing DUI-related accidents.
The tragic case has not only affected the victim’s family but has also reverberated throughout the community, reminding both residents and officials of the harmful effects of alcohol on driving. As authorities continue to focus on preventive measures, this heartbreaking event serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Charles Sidney Jones III, 45 years old
- Blood Alcohol Concentration: .277, more than three times the legal limit in South Carolina
- Charges: DUI causing death, causing the death of a child in utero during the commission of a violent crime, DUI causing great bodily injury
- Victim: Six-month pregnant woman from Rock Hill
- Location of Crash: Saluda Road near the York/Chester county line
- Sentencing Judge: Robert Hood
- Date of Incident: October 2023
- Case Handled By: 6th Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman
FAQ Section
Who is Charles Sidney Jones III?
Charles Sidney Jones III is a 45-year-old man from South Carolina who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a DUI crash that killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
What was Jones’s blood alcohol concentration?
Jones had a blood alcohol concentration of .277, which is more than three times the legal limit of .08 in South Carolina.
What charges did Jones plead guilty to?
Jones pleaded guilty to several charges, including DUI causing death, causing the death of a child in utero during the commission of a violent crime, and DUI causing great bodily injury.
When did the fatal incident occur?
The tragic incident occurred in October 2023 when Jones collided with a pregnant woman, resulting in her death.
What was the victim’s situation?
The victim was six months pregnant at the time of the crash and was identified as a resident of Rock Hill.
Who issued the 25-year sentence?
The 25-year sentence was issued by Chester County criminal court Judge Robert Hood.
Did Jones have previous DUI convictions?
Yes, Jones had prior DUI convictions prior to this fatal incident.
Where did the crash take place?
The crash took place on Saluda Road near the York/Chester county line.
Who handled the case?
The case was handled by 6th Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman.
Key Features of the Incident
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant Age | 45 |
| Legal Blood Alcohol Limit | .08 |
| Jones’s BAC | .277 |
| Sentenced Years | 25 |
| Victim’s Pregnancy | Six months |
| Location of Crash | Saluda Road near York/Chester county line |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Fatal DUI Crash in Chester
York County Increases Police Patrols Amid Rising Traffic Fatalities
York County Man Charged with Assault on 12-Year-Old Boy
Tragic Week of Fatal Accidents in South Carolina
Senator Challenges Pay Raise for South Carolina Legislators
West Columbia Man Arrested After Fatal Crash
Tragic Car Crash Claims Life in Little River, SC
Tragic Car Crash in Little River Claims Local Woman’s Life
Community in Rock Hill Faces Series of Tragic Incidents
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Man Sentenced to DUI Crash
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- WCNC: SC Deputy Convicted in Crime
- Google Search: South Carolina DUI laws
- Charlotte Observer: Local Crime News
- Google Scholar: Drunk Driving Statistics USA
- WBTV: Rock Hill Woman Pleads Guilty
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drunk Driving
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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