Second suspect in deadly Charleston hit-and-run faces judge: Family seeks law change

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The second person arrested in a deadly hit and run in downtown Charleston that killed two young women on Sunday, April 28 went before a judge Tuesday morning. Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber were both 20 years old and of Simpsonville when they were fatally struck.

Seth Carlson, 32, is charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He was arrested Monday, May 6.

Max David Gentilin, 25, of Charleston is charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He was arrested Wednesday, May 1.

After analyzing surveillance footage from the SC Ports Authority, police said the two young women were first struck by Carlson's Chevy truck at 1:12 a.m. when he drove off the roadway as they were walking near the bike lane on Morrison Drive.

They were then struck again by Gentilin’s vehicle after he too drove off the roadway and over the curb about 30 minutes later, police spokesperson Lt. Anthony Gibson said.

Police found Carlson's truck abandoned in West Ashley after Carlson reportedly crashed into a ditch and fled on foot, Gibson said.

Chief Chito Walker said, "As I mentioned last week, we will continue to pursue justice for Lizzy and Arianna. Our investigators have dedicated countless hours to this case and are fully committed to seeing it through to the end. The tragedy of this case deepens with the realization that the decisions of two individuals have forever altered the lives of these two families. What might seem improbable to some is a heartbreaking reality for these families. My heart and prayers are continuously with the families and loved ones of Lizzy and Arianna.”

She was Lizzy Zito to many, but to her dad, she will always be his little 'Bittsy'

“She's touched so many lives, so many lives. I have three kids and that's my baby,” Frank Zito, Lizzy’s father, said.

READ MORE: "Second suspect in deadly Morrison Drive hit-and-run has bond set after court appearance."

Tuesday morning, Carlson’s lawyer asked the judge for bond.

They say Carlson is highly involved in his church. But Zito believes Carlson's actions don't align with what he preaches.

“He's a churchgoing member, to me, it means nothing 'cause his pastor must have taught them nine commandments instead of thou shall not kill,” Frank Zito said.

READ MORE: "Second suspect in fatal Morrison Drive hit-and-run arrested: CPD."

According to the prosecution, a witness told investigators that when they went to talk to Carlson after he crashed his truck in West Ashley, he appeared drunk.

“We believe that his actions indicate that he's a grave danger to the community, and we are requesting the highest possible bond,” state investigators said in court.

Arianna Gamber was the other victim killed in the collision in late April.

“I'm grateful there's a witness that he was intoxicated. he hit and killed my beautiful daughter, her friend, and left the scene," her mother said in court Tuesday,

READ MORE: "'I f---ed up': Affidavits reveal actions of man charged in fatal Charleston hit-and-run."

Nicole Gamber added: “He carried himself, he continued about his life as if this didn't happen.”

The victims’ families requested the judge to set no bond but said he had no choice.

“It’s a statute. It's a 10-year felony and it does not allow me to not set a bond,” said the judge.

Lizzy's family is confused and hurt and they want the law to change.

“I don't believe that this is not a nonviolent crime. What does it take to be considered nonviolent? The girls were killed, struck, and then struck again. And if this man is from church strikes, two women leave and then crash his car again. Doesn't make a phone call, doesn't call anybody. So how much of Christ is in your heart that you can do this? The two young ladies are beyond measure for me,” Frank Zito said.

“For each drunk driver on the road in America. You tear families apart. When you hit somebody and kill somebody, you don't manslaughter anybody. You murder them,” Peter Zito, Uncle of Lizzy Zito said.

Carlson's bond was set at a total of $600,000. He will also be under house arrest, will have to wear an ankle monitor, and surrender his passport. His next court appearance is set for Friday, June 28 at 2 p.m.