Resolution in Deadly 2020 Crash Lawsuit Reached by Charleston Co. Sheriff’s Office

Resolution in Deadly 2020 Crash Lawsuit Reached by Charleston Co. Sheriff’s Office

The Charleston County Sheriff’s office and the family of a victim involved in a fatal 2020 crash have come to a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit. The man in question, 65-year-old Ronald Jenkins, unfortunately succumbed to injuries at the hospital after a collision with a Charleston County deputy’s patrol car on May 21, 2020.

Details of the Settlement

In a litigation pursued by the late Jenkins’ sister, Linda Powell since 2021, an agreement has now been reached. The court approved and labeled the total settlement of $750,000 for the bereaved family as “fair and reasonable” in December of last year. Of this amount, the South Carolina State Insurance Reserve Fund in conjunction with American Southern, acting on behalf of the sheriff’s office, paid the largest share of $600,000, while State Farm Insurance covered the remaining $150,000. Court documents indicate that a minor portion of this amount, specifically $7,000, was allotted for funeral expenses.

Aftermath of the Incident

The deputy involved, Jason Barry, was traveling at a reported 74 mph on Old Towne Road in West Ashley with neither lights nor sirens in operation when his patrol car hit Jenkins’ car. At the time, Jenkins was attempting a left turn near North Hillside Drive. Following the inquiry, investigators deemed Barry culpable and charged him with reckless homicide, a criminal case which is currently still underway. Originally named as a defendant in the lawsuit, charges against him have since been dropped. In June 2020, due to the circumstances, termination of his employment at the sheriff’s office was concluded.

Additional Legal Troubles for Barry

In another twist, Barry is also under scrutiny for a separate lawsuit, instituted after another driver claimed Barry hit their car with an Amazon delivery truck, resulting in physical harm and distress less than a year after this tragic incident. Barry has denied the allegations and requested substantiating proof that the vehicle involved was, in fact, a delivery truck for Amazon. The attorney representing Barry in this case has not responded to requests for comment at the time of this publication.

The Sheriff’s Office Response

Alexis Douglas, a public spokesperson for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, has declined to provide further comment on both the settlement and the pending lawsuit against Barry. The only official statement from the Sheriff’s office was to express their condolences and wish the Jenkins family well in these trying circumstances.

All of this, taken together, reflects the tragic aftermath of the accident that took the life of Ronald Jenkins and the often complicated and arduous process of seeking justice and closure after such incidents. While the legal matters appear to be progressing, for the family and others involved, real closure may still be a long journey ahead.