Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run crash
Troopers say suspect is illegal immigrant with no license
The Post and Courier
Magana
State troopers say they have charged an illegal immigrant with leaving the scene of an accident that killed Smokey Bones bartender Steven Rand Rouvet last weekend on Ashley Phosphate Road.
Jesus Magana, 19, of North Charleston, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, the S.C. Highway Patrol said. Troopers reported arresting him in Dorchester County around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Magana is an illegal immigrant who has no driver's license, Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bob Beres said. A magistrate set his bond at $1 million, and he remained at the Dorchester County Detention Center's Summerville Annex late Friday.
If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
The accident happened in front of Brindis Mexican Restaurant at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Authorities said a Chevrolet pickup hit a 2008 Mazda that Rouvet was driving. Rouvet, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died from head injuries, the Dorchester County Coroner's Office has said.
Rouvet, 21, was a popular bartender and server at the Rivers Avenue Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill in North Charleston, where he had worked for about three years. Restaurant manager Adam Beairsto described him as the life of the restaurant.
Beairsto remembered him as an extremely outgoing and popular member of his staff.
Troopers made the arrest after receiving a phone tip, Beres said. Authorities had been searching for a red or metallic red 1999 to 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. They now think the vehicle involved in the crash was a dark burgundy 2000 model with an extended cab and a camper shell on the back bed.
Rouvet's funeral and burial were held Thursday at Carolina Memorial Park Funerals and Cremations on Rivers Avenue.
Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postandcourier.com. Reach Nadine Parks at 937-5573 or nparks@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
summerville_guy (anonymous) says...
Uh oh...here comes about 100 comments on illegals...
June 7, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chucktonian (anonymous) says...
not 100, just one:
DEPORT THIS SCUMBAG NOW!!!
this is one of the side effects of the Mexican invasion...the scum of the Earth is breaking into our country....sex offenders, thieves, murderers....of course the pro-illegal media never reports it...
June 7, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
"A magistrate set his bond at $1 million"
How's about deporting this prick? If he gets out, you'll never see him again to bring him to trial.
June 7, 2008 at 5:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
freesc07 (anonymous) says...
And activist Salazar says they won't leave regardless of any laws that we may have. Does she not run a trailer park in Ashley Phosphate Road?
This area is full of illegals, and people need to call ICE to get them out.
These people from South of the Border are allowed to drive drunk in their country. Police should just catch them as they come out of their indo-hispanic bars!
June 7, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodkarmasc (anonymous) says...
What ever happend to good old fashioned license checks? More them set up strategically around the county could help eliminate some of these illegal drivers. (Not to be confused with illegal aliens, although in this case it would fit too). But wait, that would require some overtime pay and/or some effort/money on the part of mayors, council members, and law enforcement administration. It's a failure of leadership from the top to the bottom.
June 7, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Why don't we deport any scumbag who drinks and drives? Wait, that would be half of Congress...
June 7, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jon62 (anonymous) says...
Now we are faced with a dilemma, Do we deport this piece of crap, knowing full well he will be free to make his way back to the USA to kill again or put him in prison and us tax payers pay for his food and medical care? We lose either way!
June 7, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I say hold the Mexican government responsible for the actions of Mexican illegals in our country. The family needs some avenue to claim restitution. Then deport him, where he can rot away in the Mexican penal system.
June 7, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
goodkarmasc what good would a license check do? they'd let them drive off anyway... remember kwandjo cambell getting pulled in S'Ville, suspended license and dope in the car and they let him DRIVE away???? wtf
June 7, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChasCarolinaGirl (anonymous) says...
My heart goes out to the family. That is aweful.
I am glad that troopers found who was responsible. I pray that the justice system does not fail the family.
June 7, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
disco (anonymous) says...
Not only do they go to the same schools our kids go to, but they also have special classes for them if they don't speak English.
June 7, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
I guess we'll wait until our community and our country is ruined before we try to do something about it
June 7, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
2cents (anonymous) says...
How do we stop dirtbags like this from coming here?
June 7, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SuzieQJones (anonymous) says...
What is happening in this country? Something has to be done, and I do not forsee any of the major presidential candidates doing anything about the Mexican invation. This is an awful thing that ended a promising young life.
June 7, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RandsFRIEND (anonymous) says...
Hello everyone,
I have been Rands friend for a long time. He loved life and everything it had to offer. As for the illegal mexicans, yes their should be stricter border patrol, however lets be realistic, not every illegal is a criminal and you can't keep them ALL out of the u.s. This is where their needs to be some sort of work program for them where it allows them to get license's and insurance. That way they would be in the system if something tragic like this were to ever happen. Also they would be required to take a driving test to see if they could even drive! THIS IS WHERE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS come into play..OBAMA has plans for some sort of work program for them as well as putting more patrol at the border!
NOBODY ever thinks of these kind of problems until something tragic like this happens!
June 7, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devster (anonymous) says...
Wow... when this story was originally posted, there were plenty of comments about the likelihoods of the murderer being an illegal immigrant.
Well, here he is! Sometimes even people jumping to conclusions can be correct!
This guy just makes me furious. At least he doesn't have a smirk on his face like some of the other criminals.
June 7, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
disco...
Our liberal elites in Mexifornia better know to most people around here as California created bilingual classes for Mexican students. This is part of cultural diversity program so we can be sensitive to their needs. These students will have their classes taught mostly in Spanish with some English mixed in. When they go home they listen to the radio stations that are in Spanish, watch TV that are in Spanish , read newspapers that are in Spanish, dial 1 for Spanish and all their friends are Spanish speaking people. Very little interaction with English speaking people. Then when they go to take the exit exam from high school:guess what they fail. The liberals have now created a permanent underclass to wash our dishes, wait on our tables, pick our vegetables, and commit our crimes that American won't do. We now have another underclass of people on the liberal plantation. Move over African Americans we need to make room for our Spanish brothers.
June 7, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dis (anonymous) says...
Interesting that many in this thread focused entirely on the illegal status of the accused instead of the fact that the victim would have likely survived if he was wearing his seatbelt.
All laws should be strictly enforced equally...from illegal immigration to driving unsafely (without a seatbelt). You shouldn't be able to choose which to enforce or protest due to your personal dislikes or personal agenda.
June 7, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
I knew it! I said it on here when the death was reported and the location it happened. It's time for North Charleston to CLEAN UP THIS FREAKING MESS. We the people need to run Salazar and the likes out of this state! This piss ant lesgislation they just passed will not do it. How many people got to die before we enforce our own laws? Senseless killing of another legal American.
June 7, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
I bet he works for A&A Granite.
June 7, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
Someone call Bill O'Reilly, he will put Summey and Graham on the hot seat.
June 7, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
This guy needs to call Randy Scotts lawyer, Joye will get him off the hook. He did Scott.
June 7, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
InMemoryofRand (anonymous) says...
No matter what happens with this person we are out of luck. Either way it goes we pay for him with our tax dollars or we pay to deport him and he comes right back across the border. We need to get off our butts and vote for people who will help us change the way things are as of right now. We as a whole need to try and get tougher legislation passed when it comes to these types of things.
P.S. I know this has been nice up until this point but if you are going to come here at least learn our language and come here legally.
June 7, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
I am sorry this kid was killed-but why are we not in an uproar over all the killing and murder- IF you do a little background research into crime in SC you will find that we have always been a high crime state. According to the book SC killers by mark R jones-page 28. April 9, 1923-the Augusta Chronicle wrote "The old state of SC with a population of less than a 1/4 of 6 new England states has 3 times the number of homicides". And that in reference to our beloved politicians (God rest their eternal souls)...Death, drunkeness,wife abuse, child neglect, crooked politicians ~ nothing new for SC...this was going on long before the illigles got here...we just need a scap goat to wash our (and yes my) lilly white hands. I say deport all illigle immigrants but dont blame them for the murder and crime rate in SC---we had that LONG before they got here---North Charleston had a reputation LONG before Mayor Summy or the infestation of Mexicans. The hispanic customers I have are all very nice and pleasant people who pay their bills on time and say nice things about us. Its the native South Carolina folks that I can't get to pay their bills. They also seem to want lots of free services just because they spend a little money.
June 7, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Patrick (anonymous) says...
That commentary on seatbelt safety was gratuitous. The fundamental issue in this incident is immigration. Denying that is disingenuous. Detracting from it is a sign of sympathy for weak immigration reform.
June 7, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imthemom (anonymous) says...
I didn't know Rand well but what I did know if him, he was a WONDERFUL person. Very funny, friendly, caring and never met a stranger.
It seems that anyway we look at this we are screwed! Deportation...he will come back again, new name/identity, etc.
Prison...we pay for 3 a day, heat/ac, cable, continuing education, etc.
Anyone ever see Star Chamber? 70's or 80's,I think, starring Micheal Douglas. Good movie.
June 7, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imthemom (anonymous) says...
BTW...AMEN to RANDsfriend, Good post!
June 7, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nursenat (anonymous) says...
Two words, Death Penalty.
If only it didn't take 20 years to go through the appeals process...
If he stays in jail for life, yes, we hard-working Americans pay his shelter, food and medical bills. If we send his worthless behind back, he will only return to our country and do it again.
The fact is, this is a no-win situation either way.
June 7, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RandsFRIEND (anonymous) says...
ColdBEER... im not going to argue with you over your narrow minded opinions. If illegal immigrants are given the chance to take driving courses and be in the system, they will be paying taxes just as much as you are. Also you didnt know Rand, so don't tell me what he would like. Rand was not racist in the least, rand loved everyone he met and didn't make 1 enemy in his life. It is AWFUL what has happened to him, and if Jesus Magana hadn't been driving there would have been no accident and Rand would still be alive today, however..the police and rands own mother said.."if rand would have just worn his seat belt, the damage to the car wasn't that bad..he would have made it" it was him not wearing his belt that ejected him from the car. Please don't preach about something you know nothing about.
June 7, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
disco (anonymous) says...
I just think it's funny how everyone is blaming the liberals, when Bush is the one who wants to grant these illegals with amnesty. Stop blaming others when you are part of the problem.
June 7, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RandsFRIEND (anonymous) says...
ok lol...this is ridiculous, im not going to argue with you over illegals, and Rand would never want people arguing on his behalf. So this is my last post. Enjoy arguing with youself. My opinions on how illegals should have some sort of LEGAL entry into this country and have to pay taxes has nothing to do with the fact of my friends death. RAND SHOULD HAVE WORN HIS SEATBELT AND THE MAN THAT HIT RAND SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN DRIVING ILLEGALLY AND DEF SHOULD HAVE STOPPED, WHETHER MEXICAN, WHITE, OR BLACK.
THE END!
June 7, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
princess (anonymous) says...
Ok to get this straight. For someone to say that Randsfriend is not a friend coldbeer, I dont know who randsfriend is but this person im sure knows rand alot better than coldbeer. He was an amazing person and anyone of us will be on his side no matter what!!! We are not here to talk crap about rand. He is the one who was the victim here!!! He was a great person and syill is so everyone please talk about this other guy who did this to him. Yes rand didnt have his seatbelt on, and maybe he would still be here today but that is not what these comments are for. Everyone who did not know rand needs to stop blaming him. Justice needs to be served and personally i dont think 25 years is enough! He will be in his 40's when he gets out and he will still be able to have a life, unlike rand. Please if you dont know rand dont talk bad about him in this situation. This is not what he would have wanted.
June 7, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Time4action (anonymous) says...
RandsFRIEND, so sorry for your lost. I'm glad you are trying to see both sides. However, it is very evident you are very young and inexperienced. You are only looking at a small portion of the whole picture. Your comment "...not every illegal is a criminal..." shows you are not thinking. As long as we continue catering to the illegals, things will continue as posted by ColdBeer.
June 7, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
princess (anonymous) says...
My heart def goes out tho his family. They do not need to see this kind of stuff from people.
June 7, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
princess (anonymous) says...
Who can think after something like this???? If you would have known him half the way all of us do than you would be in our same shoes. All we are thinking is something horrible should happen to this scumbag he deserves it. He needs to stay in america so our people can torment him.
June 7, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BKLYNIRISH (anonymous) says...
"OBAMA has plans for some sort of work program for them as well as putting more patrol at the border!"
Suuuurrreee he does....
June 7, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Most of you are right on except for those who seriously desire to kiss this illegals' butt!
However, do not forget the second part of this story. About the equally guilty creep who knowing full well that the guy was an illegal without license and gave him the use of his vehicle anyway. This person should probably have his private parts electrocuted.
But, our backward public safety staff reportedly has decided that NO charges will be filed for this inconceivably criminal act!
June 7, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palmettoruckus (anonymous) says...
Just take a page out of my favorite Kurt Russell movie. Round up all the illegal aliens, Then we "Escape from L.A." their ARSE. Send them out opn an island in the middle of the ocean.
June 7, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ptmama73 (anonymous) says...
When someone is flung out of a vehicle and you are involved in the accident you, as a decent human being, STOP and call the police/EMS. You do not try to run because you don't want a ticket.
I would make the same comment if he had been green with orange polka dots and he was from Uranus. The ILLEGAL INVADER in this case has clearly demonstrated that he has no respect for human life.
To the family of Rouvet, I am sorry for your loss.
June 7, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
princess (anonymous) says...
Thank you so much ptmama73, I so agree. He should have stoped and acknowledged he was in the wrong. Come on did he really think he would not get caught????? This is crazy, everyone is saying "if rand would have had his seatbelt on maybe he would still be here." Well guess what.... that is not the case so we have got to deal with the way is has ended. It is so unfortunate, but this guy could have stoped and maybe made a difference but he didnt and our good friend is no longer here. R.I.P Rand you rock and never let anyone tell you different! Everyone nows this guy is in the wrong so stop defending him and let Rand R.I.P PLEASE!!!!
June 7, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
princess (anonymous) says...
Yes it was an accident but THE MAN DID NOT FN STOP!!! I AM NOT GNA LET PEOPLE MAKE THIS LOOK LIKE THIS WAS A ACCIDENT. HE SHOULD HAVFE STOPPED NO MATTER WHAT. NOW HE HAS A GREATER CHARGE AND RAND IS STILL NO LONGER HERE WITH ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLEASE STOP!!!!~!!!!!!
June 7, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"Disco" I agree it's not a liberal only think. My God our republicab senator Lindsey Graham tried to push amnesty down our throats and don't forget John McCain. This country is a mess and both parties contributed.
June 7, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
disco (anonymous) says...
Moonpie - finally, someone with some sense....
June 7, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
srouvet (anonymous) says...
Hello everyone, this is Rands dad, Steve. I sincerely appreciate everyones opinion on this tragic story and I appreciate and have seen that Rand was truly loved by all. I thank everyone that attended his funeral and if anyone wants to contact me directly, please do so at srouvet@hotmail.com.
Linda and I are very fortunate to have created such a special person. We have been separated since 1992 but our main focus since that has been Rand. I was at Smokey Bones when we heard that Jesus was caught. If you could have heard the applause you would have been impressed too!
Setting all that aside, my personal opinion in this story, is, of course, please give Jesus to me. (If only this was legal.) But of course it not and I do not want to switch living arrangement with him anytime soon. For Sure!
This controversy has been seen in and around Hilton Head as well. Just last week a non licensed alien killed a high school senior just after the prom. This problem is growing and I personally believe it will take the masses of people to inform their representatives before this problem will be fixed.
I am at work now but following everyones comments and they are appreciate by myself and Linda. If you knew Rand, please sign his online guest book and do what you can to, at least, prevent this from happening to someone else.
Once again, Thank you for your comments and remember, Rand is in a good place for a reason. I think we know what that is.
Thank you.
Steve Rouvet
843-298-5794
June 7, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imfromdownsouth (anonymous) says...
Finally there can be closure for the family and friends of Rand. This situation has been hard on all of us. How can someone do something so horrible as this and just leave the scene? We would like to know when his trial is so we can all be there to support Rand and to watch as justice is handed down. Thank you to the Troopers who have worked so hard on this case.
June 8, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
He was Illegal,not blind or deaf! He knew that he did something wrong! That is why is *## did'nt stop. I have no mercy for anyone that does'nt have respect for another human
being's life! I hope that he is caught & they make him attend the funeral,shackled & unsupervised!!!
June 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
I TOLD YOU PEOPLE THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN
June 8, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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