Alanis letter: Why isn’t drunk driver still in jail?
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On Jan. 8, my daughter and I were the first ones on the scene of an accident on Harrisburg Road in Indian Land. The driver, William Justin Rigsbee of Indian Land, was drunk and there were open containers in the vehicle and all over the road.
(Editor’s note: Rigsbee was charged with felony DUI resulting in death in the accident; see page 1 for the story.)
My 10-year-old daughter found the passenger, Steve Lee Jones of Charlotte, in a ditch. He had been thrown from the vehicle, which had flipped. The passenger died there. This was very traumatic for my daughter.
I just found out that the drunk driver has been released from jail on bond.
Why would a judge let a drunk driver who killed someone out on bail?
Everyone in Indian Land should be outraged that this man lives here in our community and is out of jail and able to drink and drive again.
Michelle Alanis
Indian Land
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First of all, I'm sorry you
First of all, I'm sorry you and your daughter had to witness that. No young child should have to see anything like that. No one at all should have to, really.
As for your question, it's a simple explanation: the law allows him to get out of jail. He made a mistake that he's going to have to live with for the rest of his life. I realize this doesn't bring anyone back, but directing all your outrage towards him isn't going to do that either.
If you are truly outraged, take it to state officials and ask them to strengthen their DUI laws. It's not as if Justin did anything sneaky to get out of jail; he was afforded the same rights as everyone before him who has faced similar charges.