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An undocumented immigrant, accused of driving under the influence and causing the deaths of two young boys in South Carolina, is now under an immigration detainer, according to a Friday announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Eri Otoniel Roblero Perez, a Mexican national, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, striking 12-year-old Dereon James Robinson and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith as they rode their bicycles on a sidewalk. This incident was covered by FOX Carolina. Read more here.
Tragically, both boys succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Perez is now facing charges including two counts of felony DUI resulting in death, driving with an open container, and operating a vehicle without a license.
Eri Otoniel Roblero Perez has been charged with multiple offenses, including felony DUI resulting in death, following a tragic accident in Spartanburg County that claimed the lives of two children. (Image courtesy of Spartanburg Co. Sheriff’s Office)
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. (WHNSÂ )
“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.