NC man sentenced up to 30 years in killing 7-year-old, injuring dad in I-77 crash

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CHESTER, S.C. (WJZY) — A Charlotte man accused of killing a 7-year-old child in a car crash more than two years ago in South Carolina was convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced Friday. 

Jason Palmer was sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison by Judge Brian Gibbons in the Chester County Circuit Court. A jury also convicted the 37-year-old of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. 

Court documents show on July 10, 2022, a family of four was hit on Interstate 77 by Palmer’s vehicle, resulting in the death of the 7-year-old passenger and “permanent” injuries to the father.  

The Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office says Palmer was driving 98 mph when he ran into the back of the Shanks’ SUV. 

An initial investigation revealed Palmer was accused of driving erratically and struck an SUV that was traveling in the same direction, sending the SUV off the highway and into a tree, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Richburg Fire and Rescue said following the incident. 

Richburg Fire Rescue said the wreck happened near mile marker 67 and that after the initial crash, Palmer’s car crossed over the cable barriers and continued toward southbound traffic causing several drivers heading south to crash to avoid being hit.

“Since July 10, 2022, the Shanks family has waited for the defendant Jason Palmer to accept responsibility for his reckless and dangerous driving that led to the death of their 7-year-old son,” the court officials said in a statement. “The Sixth Circuit solicitors office is so grateful to the SCHP, Chester County first responders and everyone who was affected by the tragedy that happened on that day. It truly took a team effort to bring justice to this family.” 

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Doug Coats

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