(ANDERSON, SC). Michael Nolan Morrill pled guilty today in Anderson General Sessions Court to Felony DUI with Death. The Honorable Cordell Maddox sentenced Morrill to 10 years suspended to 1 year in prison and 2 years home incarceration plus 5 years of probation to follow.
On March 2, 2014, the victim, Julio Sandoval, and the defendant were on leave from the US Navy stationed in Cherry Point, NC. The victim came to Anderson with the defendant to celebrate the defendant’s mother’s birthday. The two left the party at a local restaurant around 11 p.m. in the defendant’s truck travelling down Good Hope Church Road in Anderson. According to the MAIT reconstruction, the truck travelled off of the left side of the road as it was traveling West, then back across the road and off the right side, then again off the left side of the road, striking an embankment and overturning several times before coming to a final rest in an upright position. The victim was partially ejected from the vehicle and was lifeflighted from the scene but died en route to the hospital. When law enforcement arrived on the scene, Morrill smelled of alcohol and failed the field sobriety tests. The defendant told Troopers he had been drinking and a search warrant was obtained for his blood. Tests show that his blood alcohol content at the time was .156%.
“I hope this terrible tragedy serves as a reminder not to drink and drive,” stated Solicitor Chrissy Adams. “This is especially important to remember during the holidays. Please, call a cab or call a friend. Make the safe and smart choice for the safety of others and for yourself. To do otherwise is selfish, dangerous and can lead to tragic results and criminal consequences.”