Charleston, South Carolina – The trial of Emily Pelletier, a former Charleston County deputy charged with three counts of reckless homicide in a May 2022 crash that killed a woman and her two daughters, will begin with closing arguments on Monday.
The state and defense rested their cases on Friday, but not before hearing from Pelletier about her recollection of the crash.
Pelletier clearly stated that she did not see the stop sign before turning onto Highway 17 from New Road. The former CCSO deputy explained that she looked down at her CAD computer for the most recent information on the disabled vehicle call she was responding to.
She testified that she did not notice the other car and that if she had seen the stop sign or the victim’s vehicle, she would have slammed on the brakes and swerved out of the way.
Pelletier also stated that she turned on her lights while responding to the call.
The defendant was emotional on the stand as she addressed the families and friends of the three women killed in the crash.
“I just wanted to express how sorry I am for what happened. I never intended to hurt anyone. I began this line of work to assist people. I know nothing I say will change anything, but if I could, I would take their place and return Stephanie, Shanice, and Miranda to you, and I wish it was me in the tree line and they had never been there,” she said.
Closing arguments will take place on Monday, and the judge will give the jury instructions before deliberations begin.
