COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Columbia woman accused of driving under the influence and killing a woman in a car collision appeared in court for a bond hearing Friday.
During the hearing, Judge Gail Jabber denied a bond for 27-year-old Sydney Ezelle. The judge said she could not set a bond because of the severity of the charge, so the hearing would have to happen in circuit court. Ezelle was charged with felony DUI, resulting in death.
Columbia Police said on Wednesday night, Ezelle was driving impaired and crashed into a vehicle near the intersection of Broad River Road and Lost Creek Drive just north of Columbia.
A person in the other vehicle, 58-year-old Marlyn L. Burkett of Irmo, died at the scene. Police also said that Ezelle was speeding before the crash took place.
Columbia City Manager Theresa Wilson's statement, read during bond court, revealed that she witnessed the crash and described some of the most disturbing details.
"The collision was so impactful that it caused both vehicles to flip multiple times in the air, and both cars burst into flames," the statement said. "I had to swerve to miss the impact, as did my fiancé, who was traveling directly behind me. I honestly don’t understand how Ms. Ezelle survived herself, but she did cause the death of Ms. Marlyn Lucina Burkett -- may she rest in peace."
Ezelle's parents and the victim's family were also in court.
Despite efforts from Ezelle's attorney, the judge denied her bond, adding that Ezelle was a danger to the community.
“Miss Ezelle, your actions indicate to me that you are, in fact, a danger to society and that your release would pose an unreasonable danger to the community," Jabber said. "Bond is denied.”
Ezelle will appear in the first session of general court on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at Richland County Judicial Center.