Roofer in Walterboro, SC

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) — Two Walterboro convenience stores and their owners are now facing legal action from two families who claim the alcohol the stores sold to a teen led to the death of their loved one.

Hunter Williams, 19, is charged with felony DUI involving death and felony DUI causing great bodily harm. This accident in September 2024 took the life of Emma Lake, 9, and severely injured Lacy Wiggins, 10.

He is also facing two additional charges of purchasing alcohol as a minor.

Williams was denied bond during his original hearing in October 2024 and was denied bond again the following March. This came after a judge ruled that “nothing had changed,” even after he had a psychological evaluation.

The families have also filed a wrongful death suit.

Now, the two stores accused of selling Williams that alcohol are involved, after attorney Mark Tinsley filed civil suits against them on behalf of both families.

“People recognize when there’s a place in town that is known for the place where underage kids can buy alcohol,” Tinsley said. “...I would like to think that that is becoming a thing of the past. ... But unfortunately, they still exist.”

Tinsley says Sidney’s Road Convenience Store on Sidney’s Road and SV Mart #2 on North Jefferies Boulevard in Walterboro are two of those places.

“I hope they all get put out of business,” Tinsley said. “I don’t think there’s a fine steep enough. I don’t think that there’s monetary sanction high enough that anybody would trade places with the Lake family.”

The filing states the employees failed to verify his age and check his ID before selling the alcohol. It also claims the defendants “acted in accordance and as part of a corporate plan to knowingly sell alcohol to underage people.”

Tinsley says the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was able to obtain video showing Williams in those stores purchasing the alcohol that night.

Emma Lake’s mother, Tamara Lake, says driving drunk is a choice.

“As a result of Emma’s death, I really hope that all business owners can take from this how important it is to follow all of the rules and obey laws in regards to selling minors alcohol,” Lake said. “It’s very, very important to do it the right way to avoid more tragedy.”

The intersection where Pleasant Grove Road meets Jefferies Highway, where the deadly crash happened, has also been dedicated in Emma Lake’s name.

“It helps me to know that Emma can still make a difference,” Lake said. “That all of this was not for nothing. And that Emma can have a purpose. And make her death meaningful instead of just a terrible, terrible tragedy to have to live through.”

Defense attorney Scott Bischoff, who represents Williams, did not want to comment at this time.

Defense attorney Michael Trask, who represents some of the other defendants, also did not want to comment. Another attorney, Cordes Kennedy, did not respond.

“This is mainly about making the world a better place,” Tinsley said. “A safer place.”

Williams remains in custody at the Colleton County Detention Center.