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An undocumented immigrant, reportedly so inebriated that he was unable to stand, is accused of veering off a road and fatally striking two children who were cycling on a sidewalk, according to authorities.
Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez was denied bail on Monday and faces two charges of felony DUI resulting in death. Additional charges include driving without a license and possession of an open container. He is currently detained at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility.
The tragic incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday on Asheville Highway near Brock Street, approximately three miles west of Spartanburg.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that Roblero-Perez was driving a 2016 Honda Accord eastward when the vehicle left the roadway, hitting two boys who were riding their bikes on the sidewalk.
Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez is facing multiple serious charges, including felony DUI resulting in death, following the accident that claimed the lives of two children in Spartanburg County.
The victims were identified as 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith, both of Spartanburg.
Both boys later died from their injuries.
Details from Monday’s bond hearing, first reported by WYFF News 4, described the emotional testimony and 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.
Mikhail-Lee Smith, 9, died after being struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Spartanburg. (GoFundMe)
Prosecutors said Roblero-Perez showed clear signs of intoxication — including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol — and was unable to complete a field sobriety test or hold himself upright.
Authorities say the vehicle left the roadway at a high rate of speed before striking the children.
Another passenger was inside the car but fled the scene and has not been located.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Roblero-Perez is in the United States illegally. A judge also noted in court that an immigration detainer has been placed on him.
The case has sparked outrage online and in the community, with many questioning the circumstances of the crash and calling for 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.”
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 twice 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 scheduled to appear in court again on June 18. The investigation remains ongoing.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the coroner’s office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the solicitor’s office for comment.