Executive Summary
- Johnathan Gajadhar sentenced to 10 years in prison for a 2022 double fatal DUI.
- Victims Kirven Holmes and Leroy Furtick were killed when their moped was rear-ended.
- Police investigations revealed Gajadhar was intoxicated, speeding, and driving on a suspended license.
- The defendant was out on bond for a previous DUI arrest at the time of the collision.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina judge has sentenced a 41-year-old man to a decade in prison following a conviction for a 2022 driving under the influence collision that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The Richland County General Sessions Court handed down the 10-year sentence to Johnathan Gajadhar, with credit applied for time served. The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office led the prosecution regarding the incident that occurred on August 11, 2022.
According to the Columbia Police Department, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Farrow Road and SC-277 shortly before 9:00 p.m. Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook stated that Gajadhar was driving southbound when he rear-ended a moped carrying two passengers. Investigators determined that Gajadhar was speeding and intoxicated at the moment of impact.
The force of the collision caused the ejection of both riders. The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Kirven Holmes and Leroy Furtick, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
Subsequent investigations highlighted the defendant’s prior legal history. Authorities reported that at the time of the fatal crash, Gajadhar was out on bond for a previous DUI arrest. Additionally, records indicated his driver’s license was suspended due to prior convictions for driving under the influence and driving under suspension.
Judicial Proceedings and Traffic Safety
This case underscores the severe legal consequences associated with vehicular homicide and repeat offenses. The sentencing reflects the judicial system’s approach to compounding factors, specifically the commission of a felony DUI while on bond for a similar prior charge. The incident also highlights the public safety risks associated with recidivism among drivers with suspended licenses. While this specific legal matter has concluded with a sentencing, the justice system maintains that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law regarding any outstanding or separate charges.
