Teen charged with reckless homicide

An 18-year-old Salley man has been jailed on allegations he was speeding when the car he was driving crashed into another vehicle in Wagener last month, claiming the life of a woman.

Geneise R. Williams, 43, of Perry, was riding in the vehicle that was struck. She was pronounced dead at the scene of crash, officials said.

State troopers recently completed their investigation of the Feb. 15 fatal crash and on Wednesday charged Ronnie Harold Toole Jr., 18, of Salley, with reckless homicide.

He was released on a PR bond, according to police reports.

State troopers would not go into much detail about the crash but would say that the now deceased woman was the seat-belted passenger in a 2005 Nissan Altima, driven by Jennifer Abney, 42, of Irmo.

The two women were traveling north on South Dixie Road in Wagener when Abney turned left onto Holiness Church Road, state troopers have concluded from their investigation.

The vehicle was struck in the passenger side by a southbound 2003 Chevrolet Impala, driven by the 18-year-old, troopers said. He had a 15-year-old in the vehicle with him as well, officials added.

Troopers have said the Salley man was "exceeding the posted speed limit" when the crash occurred, but would not go into any further details.

Abney was transported to MCG's shock trauma with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Toole had no life-threatening injuries.

He has been scheduled to appear in court on June 5 for a first appearance, according to court records.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.