SOUTH CAROLINA – A University of South Carolina junior was killed in an April hit-and-run crash, and the driver, an illegal immigrant, has been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty.
Nathaniel Baker lost his life when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Rosali Fernandez-Cruz, who fled the scene after the fatal collision. The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding illegal immigration, criminal justice, and victim’s rights.
Fernandez-Cruz pleaded guilty to charges related to the deadly hit-and-run and received a one-year sentence, a punishment that Baker’s family and supporters have criticized as inadequate given the severity of the crime.
The crash occurred in April when Fernandez-Cruz struck Baker and fled the scene rather than stopping to render aid or call for help. Baker died from his injuries, cutting short the promising life of a college junior.
Investigators worked to identify the driver who fled after the collision, eventually tracking down Fernandez-Cruz. Her status as an illegal immigrant added another dimension to a case that was already tragic.
The case has become a focal point in debates about immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and whether jurisdictions adequately cooperate with federal authorities in cases involving undocumented individuals who commit serious crimes.
Baker’s family has expressed frustration with what they view as a lenient sentence that does not reflect the gravity of taking a life and fleeing the scene. They argue that a one-year term fails to deliver justice for their son’s death.
Legal experts note that sentencing in vehicular homicide cases varies widely depending on circumstances, jurisdiction, and whether aggravating factors like intoxication were present. Hit-and-run deaths often carry enhanced penalties compared to accidents where drivers remain at the scene.
The University of South Carolina community mourned Baker’s death, remembering him as a dedicated student with a bright future ahead of him. His loss has been felt deeply by classmates, professors, and friends.
Immigration status often becomes a central issue in cases like this one, with critics arguing that undocumented individuals who commit serious crimes should face deportation in addition to criminal penalties. Supporters of immigrant rights counter that immigration status should not determine how justice is administered in criminal cases.
Fernandez-Cruz is expected to face deportation proceedings following her release from prison, though the exact timing and circumstances of any immigration enforcement actions remain unclear.
The case highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes and the importance of drivers taking responsibility when accidents occur. Fleeing the scene not only compounds the crime but also deprives victims of potentially life-saving immediate assistance.
Baker’s family continues to advocate for stronger penalties for hit-and-run drivers and for changes in how such cases are prosecuted and sentenced.
