Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run crash

Troopers say suspect is illegal immigrant with no license

By Noah Haglund (Contact), Nadine Parks (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, June 7, 2008


Magana

State troopers say they have charged an illegal immigrant with leaving the scene of an accident that killed Smokey Bones bartender Steven Rand Rouvet last weekend on Ashley Phosphate Road.

Jesus Magana, 19, of North Charleston, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, the S.C. Highway Patrol said. Troopers reported arresting him in Dorchester County around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Magana is an illegal immigrant who has no driver's license, Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bob Beres said. A magistrate set his bond at $1 million, and he remained at the Dorchester County Detention Center's Summerville Annex late Friday.

If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

The accident happened in front of Brindis Mexican Restaurant at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Authorities said a Chevrolet pickup hit a 2008 Mazda that Rouvet was driving. Rouvet, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died from head injuries, the Dorchester County Coroner's Office has said.

Rouvet, 21, was a popular bartender and server at the Rivers Avenue Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill in North Charleston, where he had worked for about three years. Restaurant manager Adam Beairsto described him as the life of the restaurant.

Beairsto remembered him as an extremely outgoing and popular member of his staff.

Troopers made the arrest after receiving a phone tip, Beres said. Authorities had been searching for a red or metallic red 1999 to 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. They now think the vehicle involved in the crash was a dark burgundy 2000 model with an extended cab and a camper shell on the back bed.

Rouvet's funeral and burial were held Thursday at Carolina Memorial Park Funerals and Cremations on Rivers Avenue.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/jun ... rash43818/