Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announces that a man has been charged in a deadly vehicle collision. Piere Deshawn Ray (DOB: 9-24-1992) is charged with Felony DUI Resulting in Death and Simple
Possession of Marijuana.
Ray is accused of driving a car at the 1800 block of Two Notch Road shortly after 11:00 p.m. on December
24, 2015.
According to preliminary information from the Traffic Safety Unit, Ray is accused of speeding prior to the collision.
He was traveling south on Two Notch Road when he lost control of the car before striking a curb and crashing into several metal poles and a brick wall.
During a lawful search of the car, officers found evidence of drug possession inside.
Ray’s passenger, who was been identified by Richland County Coroner Gary Watts as James M. Lightbourne (DOB: 12-20-1991) died on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at a local hospital.
Coroner Watts has determined that Lightbourne died as a result of blunt force trauma associated with the collision. Lightbourne was not restrained in the car.
Ray continues to receive medical treatment at a local hospital for his injuries.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.