18-Year-Old Sentenced for 2012 Felony DUI
A Greer high school student has been sentenced with reckless homicide in a 2012 felony DUI case that killed a 40-year-old man last summer.
Daniel Woosley, 18 years old, received a $50,000 bond on Friday, August 16th. He reportedly caused a deadly wreck while he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. As a condition of his bond release, he will have his license revoked for 60 days, and he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and be drug tested.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, at about 5 AM on July 24th, 2012, Woosley crossed the yellow line in the highway in his Jeep Cherokee and collided head-on with a Dodge Ram, driven by victim Daniel Nelson of Boiling Springs. After impact, Nelson’s car caught fire, and he was trapped inside. He died at the scene.
Woosley was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for serious injuries that he suffered in the crash. He was in the hospital for 11 days.
According to 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette, Woosley was going 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. He also subpoena’d Woosley’s medical records as part of the case. Tests at the hospital revealed that Woosley’s blood alchol content was 0.03 at the time of his hospitalization, and that he had several other drugs in his system, including methamphetamine, marijuana, andbenzodiazepines, a psychoactive drug.
“That would explain his behavior on the road because there was no reason for him to cross into that lane,” Barnette said.
Woosley was originally charged with driving left of center, and driving too fast for conditions. However, after Barnette received the report on Wednesday, August 14th, charges against Woosley were upgraded to felony DUI. A warrant for Woosley’s arrest was issued on Thursday, and his hearing was on Friday.
Although the Highway Patrol handed the investigation into the crash, Woosley was airlifted to the hospital so quickly that no one from Highway Patrol saw him. Officers from the Spartanburg International Airport were the first on the scene.
Despite the serious wreck, Woosley continued to collect traffic citations in both Spartanburg and Greenville counties. Charges include improper lane change, driving on the wrong side of the road, driving too fast for conditions, and speeding.
“He’s just out there like a bullet, ready to kill someone else,” said Pamela Michaels, Daniel Nelson’s mother.
“We hoped after the accident, after he killed my husband, this child, this young man, would turn his life around — that something good would come of it,” said Deana Nelson, the victim’s widow. She asked the judge at the bond hearing to set a bond that would emphasize to Woosley that his actions have consequences.
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Based in Columbia, SC, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm collectively have over 30 years of experience with South Carolina law. The firm was founded in 1996 by former US Attorney and Assistant Solicitor Pete Strom. If you face felony DUI charges in South Carolina, we can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Do not let DUI or felony DUI charges prevent you from pursuing opportunities. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.
