The Walterboro family is demanding justice for their loved ones who died in a fatal car accident

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) – It’s been two years since Stephanie Dantzler, Shanice and Miranda Dantzler-Williams were killed after a Charleston County sheriff’s deputy ran a stop sign at a high rate of speed and struck the car while all three were in contact women were still there.

The accident occurred on May 8, 2022 and on Thursday the family gathered around the grave of their three beloved family members, still demanding justice after two long years of pain and unanswered pleas.

The three women were driving on Highway 17 when their car was struck by Charleston County Deputy Emily Pelletier.

They held a news conference Thursday at St. Paul CME Church in Walterboro to remind the community that they still haven’t gotten their way in court and won’t stop until they do.

Documents show Pelletier was traveling more than 80 miles per hour on her way to an emergency call when she hit the family’s vehicle.

At today’s press conference, the family drew parallels between their conviction and the sentencing of Jamie Lee Komoroski earlier this week. Komoroski is the woman charged in a drunk driving accident that killed a Folly Beach bride.

The grieving family wants to know how Komoroski’s trial came about, even though her accident occurred almost a year after the accident that killed the Danzlers.

Family members were told that the delay in their case was due to the court system being overwhelmed. But they want to know why they are still waiting for answers after another high-profile fatal accident occurred earlier this week after their case was resolved.

“For Stephanie, Shanice and Miranda, here we are, two and a half years later, 30 months later, without any court date. This family came to court within 18 months. This family, the pain, I’m not trying to ease the pain that this family is going through now from the loss of their loved one. This cannot be weakened. This family had to suffer last week with an empty seat at their table. And on Christmas and New Year this place will be empty. But they had the one thing this family didn’t have, and that is justice. And why? Eighteen months into a case and we came to court, a court where they say we are too heavily backed to hear this case while this family has waited two and a half years,” said Pastor Thomas Dixon.

Family members said justice delayed is justice denied – but their resolve to accept responsibility is unwavering and they will not stop until their day in court finally comes.

Pelletier was placed on leave before losing her job. According to the Charleston County Public Index, Pelletier was arrested for murder/involuntary manslaughter but was released on $75,000 bail.

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