South Carolina Man Sentenced After Drunk Driving Crash Killed Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child

CHESTER, S.C. — A South Carolina man has been sentenced after admitting guilt in a 2023 drunk driving crash that claimed the lives of a pregnant mother and her unborn child in Chester County.

According to prosecutors, Charles Jones III pleaded guilty on Thursday, October 16, to felony DUI death, felony DUI causing great bodily injury, and causing the death of a child in utero during a violent crime. The charges stem from a devastating collision that occurred on October 25, 2023, along South Carolina Highway 72.

Mother and Unborn Child Killed in High-Speed Collision

Investigators say 25-year-old Kaitlyn Potter, who was seven months pregnant, was driving with her two young children — 3-year-old Jamison (“Bubba”) and 5-year-old Natalee — when Jones’ speeding BMW slammed into her vehicle.

Authorities with the South Carolina Highway Patrol estimated that Jones was traveling at more than 100 miles per hour with a blood alcohol level of .277, over three times the legal limit.

The impact overturned one vehicle and fatally struck Potter’s car. She died at the scene, and her unborn son, Maverick, did not survive.

“The emotional trauma of losing Kaitlyn and baby Maverick will be with us forever,” said Samantha Blackwell, Potter’s grandmother and the legal guardian of her children.

Children Survived but Suffered Life-Altering Injuries

Potter’s son, Bubba, sustained severe head trauma and is now immobile, while her daughter continues to suffer from PTSD and anxiety following the crash.

“The last words I said to Kaitlyn and the kids were, ‘Bye, I love you, see you tomorrow.’ But tomorrow never came the way we expected it to,” shared Sandra Potter, Kaitlyn’s mother.

The family said Potter was on her way to buy Christmas decorations when the tragedy occurred.

Defendant’s History of DUIs and Emotional Courtroom Moment

During sentencing, Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman revealed that Jones had an extensive criminal record, including multiple DUI convictions dating back to 2003, 2007, and 2013 in both South Carolina and Florida.

Jones, now facing a combined 15-year sentence plus two concurrent 25-year terms and a $15,100 fine, apologized to the grieving family in court.

“No amount of apology is ever going to suffice; it’s just not going to do it,” Jones said tearfully. “But I continue to pray for this family.”

Potter’s fiancé’s mother, Cassandra Mangum, told the court her son is still struggling to cope with the loss.

“He lost everything that day — his fiancée, his unborn child, Bubba, and Natalee,” Mangum said. “He’s still dealing with it every day.”

Family Finds Small Comfort in Justice

In a joint statement, the Potter, Baker, and Blackwell families expressed bittersweet relief following the guilty plea.

“No sentence or outcome will ever restore the lives that were lost or the future that was stolen,” the families wrote. “But we find some peace in knowing that justice has finally been done.”

DUI Epidemic Continues Across South Carolina

Officials say the tragedy underscores South Carolina’s ongoing battle against drunk driving fatalities. Despite repeated warnings and stricter penalties, DUI-related deaths remain one of the leading causes of roadway fatalities statewide.

Solicitor Newman said he hopes this case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

“Every life lost to DUI is preventable,” he said. “We can’t undo the damage, but we can make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The community continues to rally around the Potter family as they care for Kaitlyn’s surviving children and honor the memories of Kaitlyn and baby Maverick.

If you or someone you know has been affected by drunk driving, share your thoughts and experiences with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com. Your voice matters as South Carolina continues to fight for safer roads and stronger accountability.