Man denied bond in hitandrun that killed USC student
Apr 04, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - A student at the University of South Carolina was killed in a hit-and-run, according to USC Law Enforcement & Safety.
The Columbia Police Department said the accident occurred at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Street near campus on Wednesday afternoon.
The
victim, 21-year-old Nathanial "Nate" Baker, was riding a motorcycle when he was hit by a pickup truck. Baker, a native of Glen Allen, Virginia, was a junior studying business at the university.
Officials said the suspect driving the truck left the scene, but was pulled over by an officer.
The suspect, 24-year-old Rosali Fernandez Cruz, was arrested and charged with hit and run resulting in death, failure to render aid and driving without a license.
Cruz was denied bond Thursday afternoon. He is currently housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
"Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate’s family and friends during this difficult time," the university said in a statement.
The accident is currently being investigated by the Columbia Police Department. ...read more read less