Oxford, Mississippi, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Seth Garron Rokitka has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a hit-and-run incident that led to the death of University of Mississippi student Walker Fielder. The incident, which occurred shortly after Fielder’s birthday, resulted in severe injuries for another student as well. Following a plea agreement, Rokitka was found guilty of aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident causing death. Family and friends express a sense of closure as this case highlights the grave consequences of reckless driving.
Oxford, Mississippi—Seth Garron Rokitka, a 27-year-old resident of Collierville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of University of Mississippi student Walker Fielder. The sentencing followed a plea agreement reached earlier this month where he pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident causing death.
The tragic incident occurred on October 16, 2022, shortly after Fielder had celebrated his 21st birthday. He and another student, Blanche Williamson, were struck by Rokitka’s pickup truck around 1:14 a.m. in a parking lot behind City Hall on the downtown Square in Oxford. Following the collision, Rokitka fled the scene, leaving Fielder critically injured.
Fielder was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Williamson, who also sustained critical injuries, was subsequently airlifted to Regional One Hospital in Memphis and was listed in stable condition.
Rokitka was arrested the following Monday, with his bond set at $1 million. He faced a three-count indictment that included charges of aggravated assault with extreme indifference, manslaughter, and failure to stop and remain at an accident resulting in death or serious injury. A second individual, 18-year-old Tristan Holland from Collierville, was charged as an accessory after the fact.
The investigation into the hit-and-run was expedited by surveillance video, which enabled police to identify Rokitka as the driver involved. He turned himself in to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office the day after the crash. As part of his plea agreement, he was sentenced to 10 years for leaving the scene, along with an additional five years for aggravated DUI. The latter sentence will be suspended upon the completion of his 10-year term.
Family and friends of the victims have expressed that the resolution of this case provides a degree of closure after a long and painful journey. Rokitka’s plea agreement, which focused on accountability, offers a semblance of justice for Fielder’s family following the tragic incident.
This case highlights the serious legal consequences that can arise from reckless behavior on the road, with the impact felt deeply by victims and their families.
Background
The hit-and-run incident that led to these charges has shone a light on pedestrian safety and the responsibilities of drivers. In recent years, incidents involving hit-and-run cases have spurred discussions about the legal ramifications and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. The tragic death of Walker Fielder serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from such reckless actions.
Key Details
- Incident Date: October 16, 2022
- Rokitka’s Age: 27
- Location: Parking lot behind City Hall, Downtown Square, Oxford, MS
- Victim: Walker Fielder, 21 years old
- Injured: Blanche Williamson
- Charges: Manslaughter, aggravated assault, failure to stop
- Outcome: 10 years for leaving the scene, additional five years for DUI (suspended after 10 years)
FAQ
- What happened to Seth Garron Rokitka?
- Seth Garron Rokitka was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of University of Mississippi student Walker Fielder.
- When did the hit-and-run incident occur?
- The incident occurred on October 16, 2022.
- Who were the victims?
- The victims were University of Mississippi students Walker Fielder and Blanche Williamson. Fielder was killed, and Williamson was critically injured but is now stable.
- What charges did Rokitka face?
- Rokitka faced a three-count indictment that included aggravated assault with extreme indifference, manslaughter, and failure to stop and remain at an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
- How did police identify Rokitka?
- Surveillance video helped police quickly identify Rokitka as the driver involved in the hit-and-run.
- What was the outcome of Rokitka’s trial?
- He pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident causing death as part of a plea agreement and was sentenced to 10 years for leaving the scene, with an additional five years for DUI to be suspended after completion of the 10 years.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 16, 2022 |
| Rokitka’s Age | 27 |
| Location | Parking lot behind City Hall, Downtown Square, Oxford, MS |
| Victim | Walker Fielder, 21 years old |
| Injured | Blanche Williamson |
| Charges | Manslaughter, aggravated assault, failure to stop |
| Outcome | 10 years for leaving the scene, additional five years for DUI (suspended after 10 years) |
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- WAPT
- Google Search: hit and run law
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Scholar: hit and run statistics
- WCBI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic laws
- Magnolia State Live
- Google News: pedestrian safety
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
