An undocumented immigrant is now facing an immigration detainer following a tragic incident in South Carolina where he is accused of driving under the influence and causing the deaths of two young boys. This development was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday.
The individual in question, Eri Otoniel Roblero Perez, hails from Mexico and is alleged to have lost control of his vehicle, veering off the road and fatally striking Dereon James Robinson, 12, and Mikhail-Lee Smith, 9. The boys were riding their bicycles on a sidewalk when the incident occurred, according to a report from FOX Carolina.
Tragically, both boys succumbed to their injuries after being taken to a hospital.
Perez now faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with two counts of felony DUI resulting in death, alongside charges for driving with an open container and without a license.
During a court proceeding, Dereon’s mother, Megan, recounted the horrifying moment of the crash. She revealed that she was walking just behind the boys at the time and narrowly avoided being struck herself, as reported by WYFF.
Dereon’s mother, Megan, said during a court hearing she was walking behind the children when the crash happened and was “almost hit” herself, WYFF reported.
“I ran to my son while he bled to death,” Megan told the judge.
One of Dereon’s brothers added, “Now I have to bury my own brother who looked up to me on his own birthday.”
DHS provided a photo of the two boys who both died after the crash at a local hospital. (DHS)
DHS confirmed Perez entered the country illegally at an unknown date and time.
“This criminal illegal alien from Mexico had no business being in our country, and now two boys are dead because he decided to drive under the influence,” said DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.
A photo showed damage to the sidewalk fence at the crash site. (WHNS )
“Dereon Robinson and Mikhail-Lee Smith should still be with us today,” she continued. “Our prayers are with Dereon Robinson’s and Mikhail-Lee Smith’s families.”
Perez is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center and has been denied bond.
