Smith pleads guilty to reckless homicide in 2019 fatal wreck

Tears filled the courtroom as one family sought justice and another sought leniency.

James Anthony Smith, 33, of Aiken, pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 23 to reckless homicide in the death of 15-year-old Kaleb Hinckley. On June 22, 2019, Smith was driving home when he crashed into the vehicle occupied by Hinckley and his brother Gabriel. Kaleb died at the scene while Gabriel was injured.

“If I could change those 15 seconds, I would,” said a tearful Smith of the actions leading up to the fatal crash.

Deputy Solicitor David Miller of the Second Judicial Circuit explained both Hinckley and Smith’s vehicles were traveling west on Highway 278 near Chinaberry Road when the wreck occurred. Gabriel Hinckley was attempting to turn left on Chinaberry to go home when Smith, who was two cars behind, passed another vehicle on a double yellow line. This resulted in Smith crashing into the driver’s side door of Hinckley’s truck, causing it to overturn and the roof to be crushed in. This account was backed up by consistent stories from other drivers who witnessed the wreck.

The S.C. Highway Patrol investigated the wreck and determined the approximate speeds of the two vehicles at the time of the wreck – 16 miles per hour for Hinckley’s truck and 54 miles per hour for Smith’s SUV. However, Miller said Smith’s pre-impact speed was calculated to be 73 miles per hour.

“There is no evidence he was impaired,” said Miller of Smith, who was examined at the scene by law enforcement. “It appears he was just driving completely recklessly.”

Though Smith does not have a criminal record, he does have an “extensive driving history,” said Miller. This includes six traffic citations for speeding, with the last one in 2019, and four reportable accidents in a 10-year history.

Seeking Justice

Kaleb’s mother, Crystal Williamson, spoke on behalf of her family as she described the pain created by her son’s death.

“Every morning I wake up to a nightmare, a life without my son. Life is a daily struggle; sometimes it's hard to just breathe. It's been over three and a half years that I have lived this horrible nightmare that I will never wake up from,” said Williamson.

June 22, 2019 began with excitement as her daughter’s All-Star softball team won their game. As they headed home, that joy turned to sorrow as she got a call that her sons were in an accident. She arrived at the scene to find both sons trapped. She soon learned Kaleb was gone.

“I screamed a scream like no other. My legs went numb and I fell to the ground trying to make sense of what just happened. It was as if everything was in slow motion,” said Williamson.

She said one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do was tell Gabriel, who was in the hospital, that his brother was dead.

“Mamas are supposed to fix things, but I couldn't even fix myself,” said Williamson, who describes herself as a “broken mother” who will never be whole.

She remembers Kaleb for his loving, tender nature. “The one who would hold my hand when we were out, the one who would always make me laugh with the things he would say or the silly faces he would make,” she said.

With his life cut short at 15 years old, Williamson said she and her family have been “cheated” out of so many memories. “I didn't get to see him graduate or get married and have a family of his own,” she said.

The Barnwell High School Class of 2022, which Kaleb was part of, has helped the family keep his memory alive. “They have included this broken-hearted mama in everything, from fundraisers, balloon release and pep rallies,” said Williamson, who started the Kaleb Hinckley Scholarship.

Speaking on Kaleb’s behalf took all of Williamson’s strength, “but I stood and Kaleb and God stood with me.”

Speaking to Judge Courtney Clyburn-Pope, Williamson asked for justice for her son.

“I am very deeply sorry for your loss. I thank you for having the courage and ability to be here and speak to me,” said Judge Clyburn-Pope.

Seeking Leniency & Forgiveness

Family and friends of Smith spoke about his character as they asked the judge for leniency and asked Hinckley’s family for forgiveness.

“He’s a great dad, a loving husband, and a great provider for our family. He helps anyone he can,” said Smith’s wife.

He was also described as a hard worker, who often works 16-plus-hour days for a tree service company.

“I’ve never known him to be negligent. He takes time to do his job safely,” said friend Rebecca Winans.

On the day of the accident, he was coming home from work.

“He was tired and I believe he was just trying to get home,” said defense attorney Erin O’Neal Gaddy of how Smith was coming home from work. She said Smith had gone through the what-if scenarios of things he could have done differently that night.

The wreck left Smith with “severe depression and remorse,” said Mrs. Smith, who expressed her own condolences to Kaleb’s family.

James Smith sobbed and wiped away tears as he heard from Hinckley’s family as well as his own. Those tears continued as he read a statement of his own.

Speaking to Kaleb’s family, Smith said he knows there are no words to take away the pain, heartache, and grief. However, he said he prays for the family daily.

“I pray you may find peace and comfort in your lives,” said Smith to Kaleb’s family. He also thanked his own family for their love and expressed his sorrow over the pain he’s caused them.

He said the accident caused him to realize just how precious time is because it can be taken away in an instant.

Though she understands people look to the court for healing, Gaddy said she doesn’t believe incarceration is the best option for her client. She said being in jail would prevent Smith from contributing to society and providing for his family, including his three children, the youngest of which is three years old. Instead, she suggested he be sentenced to community service where he can share his story to help prevent similar situations from happening.

“He wants to share his story. I believe a lot of good will come from it. We want to create a new meaning of hope and prevention,” said Gaddy.

Since the accident, Mrs. Smith said her husband now tells everyone to be careful when driving.

“I want to raise awareness of taking time and not rushing while driving,” said Smith. “I don’t want Kaleb’s story to stop.”

“No matter the sentence of this court, Mr. Smith is imprisoned by this,” said Gaddy.

The Sentence

After hearing testimony from both sides, Judge Clyburn-Pope took a recess to consider the sentence she would render. She returned and sentenced Smith to 10 years in prison, the maximum under state law. However, after he serves 36 months, the sentence will be suspended to five years of probation. Smith will be subject to drug/alcohol testing and must complete 100 hours of community service, which can include speaking at schools and non-profits about the importance of safe driving.

“Good luck to you Mr. Smith,” said the judge before concluding the hearing.

Just as her own family hurts, Williamson said she knows Smith and his family are also affected by this tragedy.

“As I looked across the courtroom, I saw a broken father just like this broken mother. He made lots of mistakes and broke many laws, but he has asked for my forgiveness and that's what I have to do. I will never forget, and the pain will never go away, but justice was served today,” said Williamson on Facebook after the sentencing.

As both families continue their journey toward healing, Williamson asked for prayers for everyone.