Lexington, SC - Catherine L. Crumley, age 55, of West Columbia, was sentenced Friday following a guilty plea to Felony DUI resulting in Death. There were no plea negotiations in the case. Circuit Court Judge DeAndrea G. Benjamin imposed a lengthy sentence of 21- years in prison. Felony DUI resulting in Death is classified as a violent crime and a “no parole” offense.
The victim, Larry Edger Williams, age 65, was killed when Crumley’s Suzuki SUV crossed the center line on Old Barnwell Road and struck his Harley Davidson motorcycle head on. Williams died at the scene. The collision occurred at approximately 10:50 am on Sunday, April 16, 2017. In addition to striking Williams on his motorcycle, Crumley also struck a GMC SUV after she crossed the center line.
S.C. Highway Patrol troopers investigating the wreck noticed that Crumley had drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and constricted pupils. She was unable to correctly recite the alphabet. Crumley admitted to troopers she took several types of medications. She was transported to the Lexington Medical Center. There, a Drug Recognition Expert with the S.C. Highway Patrol conducted an evaluation of Crumley and found she appeared to under the influence of intoxicants. A blood sample was drawn and sent to SLED. Through that sample, it was determined that Crumley had the opioid Hydrocodone in her system, as well as the benzodiazepine Klonopin.
Crumley originally pled guilty on August 22, 2018 and was being held at the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a pre-sentencing report. During Friday’s sentencing hearing, numerous family members and friends of the victim filled the courtroom. Williams wife Debbie was there too. The couple had been married 46 years and had just celebrated their wedding anniversary one day prior to the fatal collision.
Crumley will be transferred to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of the sentence.
