Authorities have filed reckless homicide charges against a North Augusta man who allegedly caused the death of two friends in January by wrecking while driving 94 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Aulstin Beard, 21, was booked on Monday on two counts of reckless homicide and released the same day.
According to the S.C. Highway Patrol, Beard was behind the wheel of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Jan. 8 on Dixie Clay Road when he wrecked. Tyler Gardner, 20, and Helen Reid, 18, were in the car with Beard and died in the wreck. Their seat belts did not save them.
A lengthy investigation by the Highway Patrol determined that Beard was traveling at 94 mph when he lost control and hit a tree. That led to this week’s charges.
Beard faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.