Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has stated that his office will oversee the prosecution of Rosali Fernandez Cruz, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. Cruz is accused in the hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Nathanial “Nate” Baker, a University of South Carolina student, originally from Virginia.

“This is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to the family of Nate Baker, who had a bright future ahead of him,” stated Attorney General Wilson. “His family sent him from Virginia to South Carolina to attend his parents’ alma mater and pursue his education. The individual charged in this case is an illegal immigrant ordered to be deported over seven years ago.”

Baker was a junior business major and active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He was riding his motorcycle on Wednesday, April 2, when the collision with Cruz occurred at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets. Cruz, driving a pickup truck, left the scene but was apprehended shortly after by the Columbia Police Department. He is now facing multiple charges.

Confirming his undocumented status, Cruz had been under an order for removal since 2018. Wilson’s office is working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure justice is served without loopholes.

“Illegal immigration is one of the top priorities for the state of South Carolina,” Wilson remarked. “As the state’s top prosecutor, I will always make it a priority to enforce the law. Our office will prosecute this case directly. Law and order, border security, and the safety of South Carolina and the nation’s families are of utmost importance to me and my office. The people of this state expect action, and this office will ensure the rule of law is respected and enforced.”

Following his arrest, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer was placed on Cruz, anticipated to result in his deportation to El Salvador following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

Attorney General Wilson emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law.