Two Children Killed in DUI Crash on Spartanburg Sidewalk

Suspect charged with felony DUI resulting in death and driving without a license

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's bicycle tire, the rubber tread and spokes sharply lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of this tragic crime scene.The aftermath of a DUI crash that claimed the lives of two young cyclists exposes the devastating human toll of impaired driving.Spartanburg Today

Two children, ages 12 and 9, were killed on Sunday afternoon in Spartanburg, South Carolina when they were struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles on a sidewalk. The driver, Eri Otoniel Roberto Perez, has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death and driving without a license.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the need for greater safety measures to protect pedestrians, especially children, on local streets and sidewalks. It also raises questions about enforcement and sentencing for DUI offenses involving fatalities.

The details

According to police, Perez was driving a 2016 Honda Accord when he ran off the right side of Asheville Highway near Brock Street and struck the two children, who were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk. Dereon James Robins, 12, was pronounced dead at the Spartanburg Medical Center emergency room, while 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith passed away in the operating room.

  • The crash occurred around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Robins was pronounced dead at 1:26 p.m. the same day.
  • Smith passed away shortly after the crash, while in the operating room.

The players

Eri Otoniel Roberto Perez

The 32-year-old driver who has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death and driving without a license.

Dereon James Robins

A 12-year-old boy who was killed in the crash while riding his bicycle on the sidewalk.

Mikhail-Lee Smith

A 9-year-old boy who was also killed in the crash while riding his bicycle on the sidewalk.

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What they’re saying

“This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the need for greater safety measures to protect pedestrians, especially children, on local streets and sidewalks.”

— Nikolette Miller, Author

What’s next

Perez is scheduled for a bond hearing at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on Monday, April 14th at 2 p.m. The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking crash serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address drunk driving and improve safety for vulnerable road users like children. Policymakers and law enforcement must work to strengthen DUI laws, enhance penalties for offenses involving fatalities, and implement measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists in residential areas.