Illegal Immigrant Held Without Bail in Death of University of South Carolina Student
Sarah Johnson
April 4, 2025
Brief
An illegal immigrant faces charges after allegedly killing University of South Carolina student Nathaniel Baker in a hit-and-run, sparking debate on immigration enforcement and public safety.
An illegal immigrant accused of killing a University of South Carolina student in a hit-and-run crash is being held without bail, according to jail records. The suspect, Rosali I. Fernandez Cruz, 24, allegedly struck and killed Nathaniel Baker, a 21-year-old junior, on Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina.
Baker, who was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, is remembered as a leader and role model by his fraternity brothers. The fraternity shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing him as someone who brought light, laughter, and love into their lives. They vowed to honor his memory by embodying his kindness and generosity.
According to the Columbia Police Department, Fernandez Cruz failed to yield when Baker was riding a motorcycle, hit him, and then fled the scene. Police reported that the suspect did not stop to assist the victim or report the incident. Instead, he drove away and attempted to flee on foot. A CPD officer detained him nearby. Two male passengers who were with Fernandez Cruz also fled but are not facing charges.
Fernandez Cruz faces multiple charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to give information and render aid, failure to yield the right of way, and driving without a license. He was already wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before the accident.
Further digging into his immigration history reveals that Fernandez Cruz was arrested by Border Patrol in Texas in December 2016. In 2018, an immigration judge ordered his deportation to El Salvador, but he remained in the U.S.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed condolences on social media to the victim's family and friends, emphasizing that Baker's life should not have been lost in such a tragic manner.
As the community mourns Baker’s untimely death, this case shines a spotlight on issues surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety. It’s a stark reminder of the complexities that arise when legal systems fail to act decisively.
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Editor's Comments
It’s heartbreaking to see such a promising life cut short due to reckless actions. Fernandez Cruz’s history with immigration enforcement raises serious questions about accountability. While this tragedy may ignite debates about policy, let’s not forget the human toll it has taken—Baker’s loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. And can we talk about fleeing the scene? That’s not just illegal; it’s downright cold-hearted.
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