News Summary

Gregorio Hernandez-Castillo, 31, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a DUI crash in Bluffton that led to the tragic death of 4-month-old Starlette Guzman. This incident, which occurred in May 2024, involved serious charges, including DUI resulting in death and child endangerment. Hernandez-Castillo’s blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.18 at the time of the accident, while he was also driving with a suspended license. The case highlights the dangers of drunk driving and the severe consequences it can have on innocent lives.

Bluffton Man Sentenced to 20 Years for DUI Crash Resulting in Infant’s Death

In Bluffton, Gregorio Hernandez-Castillo, 31, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a DUI crash that claimed the life of 4-month-old Starlette Guzman on May 12, 2024. Hernandez-Castillo pleaded guilty to charges of DUI resulting in death, child endangerment, and driving under suspension.

Details of the Incident

• The crash occurred near the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Buck Island Road, an area noted for hazardous driving conditions.
• First responders arrived at approximately 11 p.m., discovering Hernandez-Castillo’s gold Toyota RAV4 with heavy front-end damage.
• Starlette Guzman was found unresponsive next to the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
• The child was improperly restrained in her car seat, which faced the wrong way.
• A 16-ounce can of beer was found in the driver’s side cup holder.
• Hernandez-Castillo claimed he lost control while swerving to avoid a deer.
• His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.18 about one and a half hours after the crash.
• At the time of the crash, he was driving approximately 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Legal Proceedings

Circuit Court Judge Marvin H. Dukes III presided over the case at the Beaufort County Courthouse. Hernandez-Castillo received credit for 323 days served in jail, leaving him with just over 19 years left to serve. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $10,100 in restitution.

Prior Convictions and Context

Before this incident, Hernandez-Castillo had a history of DUI convictions in both Georgia and South Carolina. Just prior to the Bluffton crash, he received 12 months probation for a DUI in Georgia in April 2024.

The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office highlighted his history of irresponsible driving, particularly regarding alcohol consumption. Deputy Solicitor Mary Jordan Lempesis voiced concerns about the tragedy stemming from Hernandez-Castillo’s blatant disregard for the law.

Civil Litigation

The mother of Starlette Guzman has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hernandez-Castillo and the child’s caregiver, who was present in the vehicle during the incident but has not faced criminal charges.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Bluffton car crash
• WJCL
• Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Laws
• Bluffton Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Law
• WSAV
• Google News: Bluffton DUI crash