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Lexington County Man Sentenced for DUI Fatality

A tragic scene that underscores the severe impact of reckless driving.

News Summary

A 66-year-old Lexington County man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony DUI involving the death of an 8-week-old baby. Charles Wesley Varn was driving under the influence when he crashed his vehicle into another, resulting in a tragic loss for the victim’s family. The case highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving and the emotional toll such incidents take on families.

Lexington County Man Sentenced for Tragic DUI Incident

In a heartbreaking resolution to a devastating case, a 66-year-old man from Lexington County has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for driving under the influence (DUI) in a crash that took the life of an innocent 8-week-old baby. Charles Wesley Varn faced the hammer of the law after pleading guilty to felony DUI involving death on December 17, 2024.

A Tragic Night

The tragic incident occurred on the night of August 13, 2023, around 9:18 PM, on South Carolina Highway 302 near the town of Pelion. Varn was behind the wheel of a 2017 Toyota Tacoma, speeding at an alarming 100 mph in a zone where the limit was just 55 mph. In a split second, his reckless driving turned fatal when he collided with the rear of a 2007 Saturn Vue.

The force of the crash was catastrophic; the Saturn Vue flipped over due to the sheer impact. Tragically, little Gabriel Arroyo, secured safely in his infant car seat, succumbed to his injuries. What should have been a peaceful drive home turned into an unimaginable nightmare for Gabriel’s family.

Alcohol and Drug Influence

Initially, Varn denied any alcohol consumption, but the truth soon surfaced. With a blood alcohol content measured at a staggering 0.194—more than double the legal limit in South Carolina—it was evident that alcohol played a significant role in this horrific incident. To add to the concern, further analysis revealed the presence of prescription drugs in Varn’s system, raising questions about his state of mind while driving.

A Long History of Offenses

This wasn’t Varn’s first brush with the law. With six prior DUI convictions spanning from 1986 to 2022 and additional offenses that included assault and arson, Varn’s record showed a long history of dangerous behavior on the roads. The decision to hand down the maximum sentence was a reflection not only of the tragedy he caused but also his repeated disregard for the safety of others.

Emotional Toll on the Family

As Varn learned of his sentence from Judge Roger M. Young, Sr., who stressed that he would not be eligible for parole, the emotional impact on Gabriel’s family was palpable. Gabriella Lopez, Gabriel’s mother, described the incident as leading to a lifetime of grief for her family. The normalcy of life turned upside down as the memories of that fateful night haunt her daily.

Camilo Arroyo, Gabriel’s father, expressed immense heartbreak and voiced the hope that no other families would suffer a similar loss due to Varn’s irresponsible actions. The emotional repercussions of such tragedies extend far beyond the courtroom, leaving families shattered and mourning.

A Message of Responsibility

The prosecution of this case was led by Eleventh Circuit Senior Assistant Solicitor Todd Wagoner and Assistant Solicitor Bruce Norton, who both emphasized the importance of making responsible choices, especially when it comes to drinking and driving. With this sentencing, they wish to send a clear message that there are serious consequences for reckless behavior behind the wheel.

Next Steps for Varn

As Varn begins his 25-year sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the community reflects on the tragic loss of a young life. This case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of DUI and the irreversible impacts of such reckless decisions. While Varn faces justice, the Arroyo family continues to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.