Victims in Morrison Drive hit and run were struck twice; police make second arrest

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A second person has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash on Morrison Drive that killed two 20-year-old women from Simpsonville.

Police said Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber were struck by another vehicle before being hit by Max Gentilin during the early hours of Sunday, April 28.

Investigators identified a vehicle and suspect from that first hit and made an arrest Monday afternoon. That person was identified as 32-year-old Seth Alan Gilbert William Carlson of Summerville.

Officials with the Charleston Police Department said meticulously pursuing all leads and evidence during an investigation is standard procedure. Investigators used analysis of recently obtained surveillance footage from the South Carolina Ports Authority, which revealed the victims were first struck by Carlson’s Chevrolet truck at 1:12 a.m. when he drove off the roadway and struck the victims near the bike lane.

They were struck again about 30 minutes later by Gentilin’s vehicle.

Carlson’s truck was found abandoned in West Ashley after he crashed into a ditch and ran off.

Carlson is charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

“As I mentioned last week, we will continue to pursue justice for Lizzy and Arianna. Our investigators have dedicated countless hours to this case and are fully committed to seeing it through to the end. The tragedy of this case deepens with the realization that the decisions of two individuals have forever altered the lives of these two families. What might seem improbable to some is a heartbreaking reality for these families. My heart and prayers are continuously with the families and loved ones of Lizzy and Arianna,” said Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker following Monday’s arrest.

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The two victims, Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber, both 20, were found dead at the scene after someone called 9-1-1 around 8:30 a.m. to report seeing two unresponsive people near the roadway.

Using debris found on site, nearby surveillance video, and SCDMV records, investigators were able to determine that Max Gentilin, 25, struck the victims and left the scene.

Investigators said several vehicle parts were found at the crash site. They also observed dark tire markings in the roadway, indicating the vehicle’s path of travel. Those markings were consistent with that of a flat tire and led to a parking spot on the street near the Morrison Yard Apartments, not far from the incident location.

Affidavits show the Honda had sustained damage and the right passenger side tire was flat. There were also leaves and twigs on the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Video obtained from the apartment complex shows a person exiting the driver’s side of the vehicle and inspecting the damage. Another shows the man, Gentilin, removing twigs and leaves from outside the vehicle. He can also be heard saying, “What am I supposed to do?” according to the documents.

The affidavit states that Gentilin told a friend that he had struck a tree by the bridge immediately after the crash.

Gentilin was arrested on April 30 after turning himself in to authorities. He was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He was given a $300,000 surety bond and released from the Charleston County Detention Center.