Deputies: Trooper charged with reckless homicide after colliding with minivan, killing passenger

Brandon Norton/ASGDC

RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WOLO) – A Former South Carolina State trooper was arrested a month after deputies say he disregarded a stop sign and collided with a minivan, while in his patrol car.

Brandon Norton, 28, was arrested Wednesday and was charged with reckless homicide.

Investigators with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department say just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 at Heyward Brockington and Monticello Roads, Norton was traveling 80 MPH in a 40 MPH zone, and disregarded a stop sign when he collided with a minivan while in his patrol car.

The passenger in the mini van, Rigba Wolfe, 81, was transported to the hospital and died on August 18, say officials.

According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, Rigba died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

The 77-year old female driver was transported to Palmetto Health Richland and released three days later, investigators say.