The trial of a former Charleston County deputy, Emily Pelletier, continued into its second day as prosecutors shared detailed findings about the crash that took the lives of three Colleton County women. The deadly incident happened on May 8, 2022, on U.S. Highway 17 near New Road.
Victims of the Crash
The victims were 53-year-old Stephanie Dantzler and her two daughters—28-year-old Shanice Dantzler-Williams and 22-year-old Miranda Dantzler-Williams. Pelletier is now facing three charges of reckless homicide for their deaths.
What Happened That Night?
On the night of the crash, Pelletier was responding to a call about a broken-down car. She told dispatch she would drive “Code One,” which means responding without lights or sirens and following normal traffic laws. But prosecutors say she was speeding—driving over 80 mph in a 45 mph zone—and ran a stop sign, which led to the deadly crash.
A witness reported seeing a quick flash of blue lights before the crash and a power line spark. First responders said the victims’ car was heavily crushed, with the engine pushed into the passenger area.
Crash Investigation Findings
South Carolina Highway Patrol’s special crash investigation team, called MAIT (Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team), looked into the scene. They used drones, walked the crash site, and reviewed all road signs and markings. Their findings were reviewed by an independent committee, which agreed with the evidence and supported filing the reckless homicide charges.
One officer said the road was “pitch black” that night, but the road signs and markings were clearly visible. Another investigator confirmed the stop sign was visible from half a mile away and had good reflectiveness.
Questions About Seatbelts and Alcohol
Investigators checked the victims’ seatbelt usage using car data. The driver and front passenger were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts. It was unclear whether the backseat passenger had one on.
A toxicology test showed the driver of the victims’ car had a blood alcohol level of 0.188, which is more than twice the legal limit. However, the sample came from the chest cavity, which isn’t ideal. A pathologist explained that the crash caused the organs to move, making it hard to get a better sample.
Arguments From Both Sides
During the trial, the prosecution said Pelletier drove with complete disregard for others’ safety. They pointed out her high speed and that she ignored the stop sign.
On the other hand, the defense called the crash “a tragic accident” caused by a perfect storm of events. They claimed the victims’ headlights might have been off and that alcohol played a role.
Testimony About Police Training
A detective from the sheriff’s office explained how deputies are trained to drive while responding to calls. He made it clear that entering an intersection at 70 mph is not acceptable under any circumstance—even during a call. Deputies are trained to slow down, check the intersection, and only proceed if it’s safe.
The trial is expected to continue for at least a week as more witnesses testify and both sides present their full arguments.
This case is not just about a crash—it’s about responsibility, training, and following safety rules on the road. The heartbreaking loss of three family members has brought serious questions about how law enforcement officers should act, even when responding to emergencies. As the trial moves forward, the court will decide if the actions of former deputy Emily Pelletier were truly reckless or just an unfortunate series of events.
