Hit-and-run suspect pleads guilty in Moncks Corner

MONCKS CORNER — A 24-year-old woman pleaded guilty today in connection with the March 2011 hit-and-run collision that killed Cane Bay High School student Ronny Gallardo.

Cassie Gelzer, of Summerville, was sentenced to two years of probation. She had originally been charged with leaving the scene of an wreck involving death, but this afternoon she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, leaving the scene involving minor injury, a misdemeanor.

Gallardo’s uncle and guardian, Kent Clark, expressed his disapproval of the plea agreement during the hearing, which took place in Moncks Corner before Circuit Judge Stephanie McDonald. If she violates her probation, she’ll have to serve the one year of the sentence that was suspended.

Gelzer’s father, Johnny, told the judge that their family wishes it wouldn’t have happened and that they live with it everyday and every time they get behind the wheel.

Gelzer’s attorney, David Schwacke, told the court that she is remorseful and has said that she wished she had been the one killed in the accident instead of Gallardo.

Gelzer was driving a car that struck 17-year-old Gallardo’s bicycle shortly before 7 p.m. March 6, 2011, as he was riding on U.S. Highway 176 near Alexander Circle. Investigators say she drove off and left the scene, without stopping to render assistance. Gallardo was rushed to Medical University Hospital, where he died. Gelzer returned to the scene within 30 minutes, according to prosecutors.

Check back with postandcourier.com for updates as more information becomes available.

Earlier versions of this story incorrectly stated she had entered an earlier plea to charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death.