News Summary
Seth Garron Rokitka, a 30-year-old from Collierville, Tennessee, received a 15-year prison sentence for the hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Ole Miss student Walker Fielder. Following his guilty plea to charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death and Aggravated DUI, Rokitka will serve 10 years for the hit-and-run and 5 years for DUI, pending completion of the initial term. This tragic incident has left a significant impact on the University of Mississippi community.
Oxford, Mississippi – Tennessee Man Sentenced in Hit-and-Run Death of Ole Miss Student
Seth Garron Rokitka, a 30-year-old man from Collierville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison for his involvement in the hit-and-run death of Walker Fielder, a University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) student. The sentence was handed down following Rokitka’s guilty plea to charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death and Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
On August 25, 2025, Rokitka entered a plea agreement with the Third Circuit District Attorney’s Office. He will serve 10 years for leaving the scene of the fatal accident and an additional 5 years for aggravated DUI. The DUI sentence is slated to be suspended upon the successful completion of the 10-year prison term.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred on October 16, 2022, when Fielder and his friend, 20-year-old Blanche Williamson, were struck by Rokitka’s pickup truck in a parking lot behind City Hall in Oxford. At approximately 1:14 a.m., the Oxford Police Department received a 911 call indicating that two individuals had been injured. Both Fielder and Williamson were urgently transported to a local hospital, where Fielder succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Reportedly, Fielder and Williamson were celebrating Walker’s 21st birthday, as well as an Ole Miss football victory, at the time of the accident. Witnesses described the horrific scene as Rokitka, alleged to have been driving under the influence, fled the area without providing any assistance to the injured students.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the incident, police utilized surveillance footage to quickly identify Rokitka as the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. The local community rallied to assist law enforcement, providing multiple tips that ultimately led to his identification and subsequent arrest. Rokitka surrendered to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office the following day, on October 17, 2022.
In addition to Rokitka, an 18-year-old passenger named Tristan Holland was also charged as an accessory to the incident. Both men were not affiliated with Ole Miss.
Community and Family Reactions
The Oxford Police Department expressed hope that the sentencing would provide a sense of closure for Fielder’s family and friends. The hit-and-run incident has deeply affected the University of Mississippi community, highlighting issues around road safety and public accountability when it comes to driving under the influence.
As the case concludes, the implications of this tragedy extend beyond the courtroom, serving as a somber reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the profound impact such decisions can have on individuals and communities alike.
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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.
