Dad guilty in fatal wreck for giving son beer

AIKEN, S.C. – A man was convicted of manslaughter for giving beer to his 15-year-old son and letting him drive a truck that then crashed, killing the boy and his two brothers.

Attorneys said Michael Batchelor, 37, will probably spend more than 30 years in prison for the 2002 wreck.

Batchelor bought the beer for his three sons and three of their friends and then let the oldest son, who did not have a permit, drive the truck while he rode beside him in the cab. The others also rode along.

The truck hit a car head-on, killing driver Ashton Groomes and his brothers, 13-year-old Brandon Batchelor and 11-year-old Drew Batchelor. The other boys were also hurt.

Judge Jack Early accused Batchelor of “the most reckless and despicable behavior.”

“I couldn’t make up a story as horrible as what you have done to your sons and their friends,” the judge said.

Batchelor apologized to his former wife and other family members. “My children’s death will haunt me. I’m going to suffer for the rest of my life.”