01-04-2025
Bluffton man who killed 4-month-old while drunk driving sentenced
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) — A Bluffton man who crashed his vehicle while under the influence and killed a four-month-old has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, the 14th Solicitor's Office said.
Gregorio Hernandez-Castillo pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 1, in Beaufort County General Sessions Court to driving under the influence resulting in death. The infant, who was not properly restrained in her child seat, was killed in the May 2024 wreck.
Hernandez-Castillo and two other passengers were traveling east on Bluffton Parkway when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol investigated the wreck and initially faced charges of Felony DUI, Child Passenger Restraint System Article Violation, Open Container In A Motor Vehicle and Driving Without A License.
Hernandez-Castillo affirmed that he was the driver and that he was driving about 60 mph in a 45-mph speed zone. He failed a field sobriety test and was found to have a blood-alcohol content of 0.18 about an hour and a half after the crash.
Hernandez-Castillo also pleaded guilty as indicted to child endangerment and driving under suspension. He must pay $10,100 in restitution in addition to the sentence.
'This defendant has a history of drunken and irresponsible driving,' said Deputy Solicitor Mary Jordan Lempesis of the 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office, who prosecuted the case. 'Tragically, an infant has now paid with her life for Mr. Hernandez-Castillo's disregard for the law.'
The office added that Hernandez-Castillo was previously convicted in South Carolina for driving under the influence (DUI) and driving under suspension. He also was convicted of DUI in Georgia.
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