Illegal Immigrant Held Without Bail in Hit-and-Run Death of USC Student

• Apr 04, 2025

An illegal immigrant has been arrested and is being held without bail in connection with the death of a University of South Carolina student in a hit-and-run crash. Rosali I. Fernandez Cruz, 24, is accused of striking and killing 21-year-old Nathaniel Baker on Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina.

Baker, a junior at the University of South Carolina, was remembered by his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers as a beloved leader and role model. The fraternity shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, stating, "Nate Baker brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives." They added that he would always be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and generosity, qualities that deeply impacted those around him.

Fernandez Cruz, an illegal immigrant, is accused of failing to yield the right of way and hitting Baker while he was riding a motorcycle. After the collision, Fernandez Cruz allegedly fled the scene without stopping to help or report the incident to authorities. Police later apprehended him on the 1100 block of Greene Street, after he attempted to run away from the vehicle. Two male passengers were with Fernandez Cruz at the time of the crash, but no charges are currently pending against them.

He has been charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to yield the right of way, failure to give information or render aid, and driving without a license. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had already issued a detainer hold on Fernandez Cruz before the incident, as he was wanted for deportation. He had been previously arrested by Border Patrol in 2016 and was ordered to be deported to El Salvador in 2018, but he remained in the U.S.

A Department of Homeland Security official expressed condolences for Baker’s family, stating, "Nate should be alive today." The tragic incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement and the protection of U.S. citizens.