Ocean Springs man sentenced in fatal DUI hit-and-run. Case ‘should have never happened’
An Ocean Springs man will serve decades in prison for a 2020 crime he committed while under the influence.
Ernesto Antonio Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Keith Miller to aggravated DUI causing the death of Joseph Balius, injuries to Caleb Bosworth and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the District Attorney’s office.
Rodriguez was sentenced to the maximum of 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 20 years to serve on each of the Aggravated DUI counts. He was also sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison for leaving the scene of an accident.
On Sept. 19, 2020, Rodriguez was accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and veering off the side of the road. He hittwo men who were walking along the shoulder, said Christi Robinson from the DA’s office.
Joseph Balius was killed, and Caleb Bosworth suffered serious injuries, but survived.
After striking the two men, Rodriguez fled the scene, but his continued reckless driving drew the attention of a Jackson County deputy shortly thereafter.
“The deputy also noticed damage to the vehicle and was able to determine that Mr. Rodriguez was the person who struck the young men,” said Robinson.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said the case should have never happened.
“The defendant’s choice to engage in criminally reckless behavior stole the life of one victim and forever altered the life of another and both of their families. The pain inflicted upon these families is immeasurable and the justice delivered today is but a small part of their lifelong journey of loss, grief and healing.”
Chief Prosecutor Bobby Knochel prosecuted the case.
This story was originally published May 21, 2024 at 6:57 PM.
