The office of South Carolina thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins announced this week that a Greenville man had been convicted and sentenced in connection with a 2017 felony driving under the influence (DUI) incident resulting in death.
Scott Alan Henning, 25, of Greenville, S.C. was sentenced to ten years in the custody of the S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) by circuit court judge Letitia H. Verdin. Additionally, Henning was ordered to pay a $10,100 fine.
According to evidence presented at the plea hearing by assistant solicitor Bryna Seay, on May 13, 2017 at approximately 7:30 p.m. EDT, Henning was observed “driving recklessly, at a high rate of speed, and disregarding proper lanes to traffic.”
A witness called 911 “to express concerns that (Henning) was going to harm someone, and as she was speaking with the dispatcher she came upon the wreck caused by (Henning).”
According to the findings of an investigation conducted by Jonathan Bridges of the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP), Henning “crossed over the center line and was driving into oncoming traffic when he struck the vehicle being driven by the victim,” 62-year-old Marilyn Bunkley.
[su_dominion_video_scb]“The impact of the collision caused her car to leave the roadway and crash,” instantly killing Bunkley.
Another driver was injured in the crash when their vehicle was also struck by the car Henning was driving. According to the solicitor’s release, an analysis of Henning’s blood alcohol content performed by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) yielded a reading of 0.33 percent – more than four times the legal limit.
In South Carolina, drivers are considered under the influence if their blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher.
In reporting on individuals charged with various crimes, this news outlet often writes that those accused are innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system – or “until such time as they may wish to enter a pleading” in connection with the charges against them.
Henning has now been found guilty – and received his sentence.
Our hope is the administration of justice in this case provides some small measure of closure and comfort to Bunkley’s friends and family members.
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