Two families are coping with the sudden loss of two young family members after a recent two-car wreck and are monitoring the outcome of an investigation that has put a man behind bars on felony DUI charges.
Antonio Danquinton McFadden, 19, and his cousin, Artivas Gilbert Brown, 17, both of Hartsville, both suffered fatal injuries July 11 shortly after midnight at the intersection of South Fifth Street and the U.S. 15 Bypass about two miles south of Hartsville, authorities reported. One of Brown’s grandmothers, Ruby Brown, who was driving at the time their car was violently rear ended, was also badly injured and was on life support this week, family members said.
As of Thursday, Dennis Carl Smith, 36, remained in custody at the Darlington County Detention Center after Magistrate Judge Guy Bell established a $150,915 surety bond on charges including two counts of felony DUI resulting in death and one count of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, as well as driving with a suspended license and open container, jail officials said.
People are also reading…
Smith was convicted of DUI in relation to a traffic stop in June 1998 in Chesterfield County, according to a State Law Enforcement Division background check. He paid a $437 fine. In addition, in 2006, Smith was convicted of possession of marijuana in Hartsville and fined $565.
If the case proceeds to a jury trial, Fourth Circuit Solicitor Will Rogers said it will be up to a judge whether a jury is allowed to learn about any priors involving Smith. Often, prior convictions are deemed too prejudicial and don’t become factors unless there’s a sentencing stage. The felony DUI case is still under review and his office will pursue appropriate action, he said.
“It’s a very serious charge; any time someone dies as a result of something like that it’s terrible,” Rogers said.
Artivas Gilbert Brown, 17, would’ve been a senior at Hartsville High School this upcoming year. His mother, Bernadette Gilbert, of Hartsville, said her son (nicknamed Boogie) planned to be a computer technician and was looking at colleges already; he was excited about finishing high school. Brown, who worked at Zaxby’s in Hartsville and performed on the youth choir at Savannah Grove AME Church, also volunteered as a peer counselor with the local Boys and Girls Club.
“That’s the kind of heart he had,” Gilbert said. “He tried to keep the peace no matter what.”
He was part of an extended family (his father was Derrick Brown) that included multiple siblings. His sister Zakkiyah Gilbert looked up to him.
“He was my hero,” his sister said.
McFadden, 19, had attended Hartsville High, graduated from the Job Corps program in Virginia, and lived in Charlotte, N.C., for 12 years, but recently worked at McDonald’s here after moving back here a year ago. His father Anthony McFadden of Hartsville said he had a bright personality and loved to crack jokes.
“He always had a warm word to tell someone,” McFadden said. “He was a loving son. It was such a short life.”
He was also survived by his mother Danielle D. Hannibal, and his stepfather Darrell Hannibal.
“He was a big kid,” his mother Hannibal said. “He loved to give hugs. He loved playing with kids.”
Family members attended Smith’s bond hearing.
