Clemson student no longer facing DUI charge in connection to crash that killed Robert Barrett
By Accident.NEWS
Publish Date: May 26, 2023
DUI charge dropped
A Clemson University student who was charged with DUI in connection to a fatal crash that killed a 68-year-old man is no longer facing the charge. According to Kurt Tavernier, the prosecutor for Clemson University Municipal Court, the charge against Michael Lee Lyon III has been "nolle prossed," which means it will not go forward.
Robert Barrett, the victim of the March 15th crash on Highway 93 at Perimeter Road in Clemson, was hit and killed by Lyon's vehicle. Chief Deputy Coroner Andrew Wilson confirmed his death.
Tavernier said that after an extensive investigation by the Clemson University Police Department, including reviewing video footage and witness statements as well as measurements from South Carolina Highway Patrol, he concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction.
Police officers who arrived at the scene reported smelling marijuana on Lyon's person and in his vehicle. Witnesses told police they saw Barrett get hit by a truck while crossing outside of a crosswalk. During their investigation, officers asked Lyon to take a field sobriety test but he refused. He also declined to give breath or urine samples when taken into custody.
The decision not to pursue charges against Lyon has sparked controversy among some members of the community who believe justice has not been served for Robert Barrett's death. However, others have expressed sympathy for both parties involved in this tragic incident.
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Tags: Fatality, DUI, Pedestrian, South Carolina, Fatalcrash, Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Policeinvestigation, Clemson, Robert Barrett, Michael Lee Lyon I I I
Incident at a Glance
- Parties Involved:
- Robert Barrett
- Vehicles:
- truck
- Fatality:
- YES
- State:
- South Carolina
- City:
- Clemson
- Location:
- Highway 93 at Perimeter Road
- Date of Incident:
- 2023-03-15
- Time of Incident:
- night
Highway 93 at Perimeter Road
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