Charleston man, 25, arrested in Morrison Drive hit and run that killed 2 women
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Police Department (CPD) announced Wednesday an arrest in connection with a deadly Morrison Drive hit and run.
Investigators with the department’s Major Accident Investigation Team analyzed evidence from the crash scene along with physical evidence from the suspect’s vehicle and determined that Max David Gentilin, 25, of Charleston, was driving at the time of the crash.
“They also concluded that he intentionally left the scene without aiding or calling assistance for the two victims,” said Sgt. Christopher Stinson, public information officer for the agency.
Gentilin is charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Officials said Gentilin turned himself in to police at 3:15 p.m.
Officers initially responded to reports of a deadly pedestrian crash on Sunday around 8:32 a.m. after a citizen called 9-1-1 to report two victims were unresponsive just off the roadway.
Two victims were found and pronounced deceased at the scene by Charleston County EMS. Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal identified the victims as College of Charleston senior Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber, both 20 years old from Simpsonville.
Investigators later located a vehicle of interest near the crash site which showed damage consistent with a debris field found at the scene. “Specifically, a dark grey 2010 Acura TL was discovered near the scene in a parking lot on Morrison Drive,” said Sgt. Stinson.
Investigators believe Zito and Gamber were walking north near the bike lane on Morrison Drive when the vehicle veered to the right, left the lane of travel, and struck the victims.
Zito’s family members told News 2 they believed the incident happened sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.
“Sunday’s tragic notification to two families—a message no family ever deserves to receive—reminds us of the devastating impact of reckless decisions made by others. Arianna and Lizzy, both just 20 years old, had their entire lives ahead of them. The choices we make are significant, and the decision made by the individual now in custody will have lifelong consequences. As we continue to pursue justice in this investigation, we recognize the weight of the grief that these families now carry as they face a future without Arianna and Lizzy. Our hearts and continued prayers go out to them in their time of unimaginable loss,” said Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker.
The investigation remains active and additional charges are expected.
South Carolina law shows Gentilin could face between 1-25 years and a fine of up to $25,000 on each charge.
