A man convicted in 2013 of killing a 6-year-old girl during a DUI crash has been denied a pardon petition by a state parole board in Columbia, South Carolina.
Billy Hutto, Jr., who was convicted of killing Emma Longstreet, made an appearance before the board of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services on Wednesday.
The hearing stirred up a lot of emotions among those present. Emma’s parents and other family members, along with representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, were all in attendance at the meeting, pleading with the board to reject Hutto’s petition.
The parole board wasted no time in unanimously denying Hutto Jr.’s request for a pardon, taking less than a minute to make their decision.
The Longstreet family’s lives were forever changed by the crash 13 years ago. They firmly believe that a pardon for Hutto would not only restore his rights but also erase the memory of that horrific night.
“I’m relieved that they didn’t grant a pardon to the person who took Emma’s life. I’ve always believed that his sentence was too lenient,” expressed Karen Longstreet, the mother of Emma. “I’m grateful to my family for their unwavering support throughout these past 13 years.”
Hutto received a 10-year prison sentence and was granted conditional release in 2019, as stated by the Department of Corrections.
“Noah Longstreet, Emma’s brother, expressed his disappointment, saying, “He didn’t serve enough time in the first place. The older I’m getting, the less time I got with my sister.”
Before making the decision, Emma’s family members shared their thoughts on the long-lasting effects of what was meant to be a regular family trip to church.
“I still have moments where I battle with depression,” confessed Karen Longstreet. “I find myself yearning to simply be with Emma, without the responsibilities of being a wife or a mother.”
David Longstreet, Emma’s father, expressed the overwhelming nature of living this life.
Noah Longstreet expressed his ongoing struggle with the loss of his sister, stating, “Everyday I’m constantly reminded of what it’s like living without my sister. He not only took a life but he took a future.”
During the hearing, Hubbard highlighted that there were still $42,000 in fines left to be paid by Hutto Jr.
Hubbard expressed his confusion about the need for a pardon until the outstanding payments are settled.
During his hearing, Hutto Jr., who currently holds two jobs, expressed his request for a pardon. He emphasized that he has undergone significant personal growth and is leading a different life now. Hutto Jr. mentioned that he is married and aspires to start a family in the future.
During the hearing, he expressed his concern about the impact of his past decisions on his loved ones, his wife, and the future family he hopes to build.
On New Year’s Day of 2012, Hutto caused a crash while driving at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. His blood alcohol level was .208, which was more than twice the state legal limit. The Longstreet family, who were on their way to church, was hit by Hutto’s car.
In 2014, the tragic death of Emma prompted state lawmakers to pass a new legislation known as Emma’s Law. This law mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices in the vehicles of individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) multiple times. Recognizing the importance of preventing further incidents, the law was subsequently expanded in 2024 to include all individuals convicted of DUI, not just repeat offenders.
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