An undocumented immigrant, allegedly so impaired he could barely stand, is accused of veering off the roadway and striking two children who were riding bicycles on a sidewalk, killing both, officials said.
Authorities denied bond Monday for Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez, who faces two counts of felony DUI resulting in death. He is also charged with driving without a license and possessing an open container. He remains in custody at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility.
The crash occurred around 12:20 p.m. Sunday on Asheville Highway near Brock Street, roughly three miles west of Spartanburg.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Roblero-Perez was driving a 2016 Honda Accord eastbound when the vehicle veered off the road and struck two boys who were riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez faces multiple charges, including felony DUI resulting in death, after a crash that killed two children in Spartanburg County. (Spartanburg Co. Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities identified the victims as 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith, both from Spartanburg.
Both boys later succumbed to their injuries.
Details from Monday’s bond hearing, first reported by WYFF News 4, outlined emotional testimony and described the defendant’s condition at the scene.
Dereon James Robins, 12, was killed after a car struck him while he was riding a bike on a sidewalk in Spartanburg, South Carolina. (GoFundMe)
Dereon’s mother, Megan, said she was walking behind the children when the car veered toward them.
“I watched him almost hit me, and I then ran to my son while he bled to death,” she said.
Family members pleaded with the judge to keep Roblero-Perez behind bars.
“Now I have to bury my own brother… on his own birthday,” one of Dereon’s brothers said.
Prosecutors said Roblero-Perez displayed clear signs of intoxication — including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol — and could not complete a field sobriety test or remain standing on his own.
Authorities said the vehicle veered off the roadway at a high rate of speed before hitting the children.
Another passenger was in the car but fled the scene and has not been found.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Roblero-Perez is in the United States illegally. A judge also stated in court that authorities have placed an immigration detainer on him.
The case has fueled outrage online and within the community, with many questioning how the crash happened and demanding accountability.
“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 said in a statement. “We are praying for God’s comfort to surround them, and for justice to be swiftly and fully served.”
He added that the tragedy highlights broader concerns about border security, saying, “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.”
Family and friends said Dereon, who was just days away from his 13th birthday, “brought joy to all those around him,” according to a GoFundMe message.
Family members are urging others to think carefully before drinking and driving.
“If you decide to drink, stay at home. It is not a driving activity. It’s not fun. It’s not cool,” a family member said.
Roblero-Perez is set to appear in court again on June 18. The investigation remains ongoing.
Leave a Reply