Published: Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 10:32 PM
Teen driver charged with DUI in Oct. fatal crash in Fort Mill
Chambers, 17, was driver in wreck that killed Nation Ford High student Michelle DiBernardini
FORT MILL --
A Nation Ford High School senior has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in an October wreck that killed classmate Michelle DiBernardini.
Michael Thomas Chambers, 17, turned himself into Fort Mill authorities on Friday, according to a Fort Mill police report.
Authorities then charged Chambers with felony driving under the influence resulting in death, and reckless homicide caused by injury from a vehicle, according to the police report.
"I'm satisfied with the charges," DiBernardini's mother, Carol Baker, said today. "I feel very comfortable with findings of the police."
Meanwhile, Chambers' mother said the wreck and subsequent charges have made for "a very difficult time for all involved."
"We all are hurting and we're praying," Danielle Chambers said.
The police report does not note Chambers’ alleged blood-alcohol level. A Fort Mill police representative couldn't immediately be reached.
Toxicology reports were negative for DiBernardini, York County Coroner Sabrina Gast said.
DiBernardini, also a Nation Ford High student, died Oct. 12 – a student holiday and teacher workday – after the car police say was driven by Chambers collided with a pickup truck. DiBernardini, who would have celebrated her 17th birthday last month, died at the scene.
Chambers and passenger Max Colton Edwards, 18, were taken to Charlotte’s Carolinas Medical Center. Edwards, also a Nation Ford High senior, suffered a broken ankle and was released the same day.
DiBernardini, Edwards and Chambers were close friends who were heading to the mall on their rainy student holiday. The trio was en route to DiBernardini's home to pick up one of her sisters when the wreck happened.
A judge this morning set Chambers’ bond at $50,000, according to a Web site maintained by the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Chambers was then booked at the York County Detention Center and remains in custody this evening, the Web site notes.
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