Father charged in wreck that kills three sons

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Posted 11:07AM on Tuesday, July 23, 2002

AIKEN, S.C. - A father bought beer for his 15-year-old son, then let him drive a truck that was involved in a head on collision that killed his three sons, authorities say. Michael Batchelor, 34, faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of one son, and two charges of accessory before the fact felony DUI resulting in a death in the deaths of his other sons, prosecutor Barbara Morgan said Monday. Those charges, along with seven other counts, could result in more than 100 years in prison if Batchelor is convicted, Morgan said. More charges may be filed, she said. "The facts as they're unfolding are outrageous," Morgan said. Batchelor bought beer for his three sons and three of their friends before the July 11 crash, troopers said. Batchelor allowed his oldest son, 15-year-old Raymond Ashton Groomes, to drive, though he had no license. Raymond then lost control of the pickup and crashed into an oncoming car, troopers say. Beer cans, some opened, were scattered around the truck, and troopers smelled alcohol on Grooms, state Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Kelley Hughes said. Groomes died at the scene of the wreck. His brothers, Brandon Batchelor, 13, and Drew Batchelor, 11, would die later in the hospital. Three friends riding in the bed of the pickup were injured, but are expected to recover. Batchelor, who was sitting in the cab of the truck between two of his sons, was released from the hospital Friday, Hughes said. The mother of the three brothers killed said Batchelor deserved the harshest punishment possible. "I've put it in the Lord's hands," Joy Batchelor said. "He's going to have to live with this the rest of his life."