News Summary
Seth Garron Rokitka, a truck driver from Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to charges from a hit-and-run that killed University of Mississippi student Walker Fielder. The incident occurred during Fielder’s birthday celebration, leading to a plea agreement resulting in a 10-year sentence for leaving the scene and an additional suspended sentence for DUI. The community reflects on the tragedy and the importance of road safety.
Oxford, Mississippi
Seth Garron Rokitka, a 30-year-old truck driver from Collierville, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the fatal hit-and-run that resulted in the death of University of Mississippi student Walker Fielder. In a plea agreement, Rokitka admitted guilt to two of the four charges against him: leaving the scene of an accident causing death and aggravated DUI.
The incident occurred on October 16, 2022, at approximately 1:14 a.m., when Rokitka’s pickup truck struck Fielder, 21, and another student, 20-year-old Blanche Williamson, in a parking lot behind Oxford City Hall. Fielder was celebrating his birthday along with an Ole Miss football victory when the tragic accident took place. He later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, while Williamson was airlifted to Regional One Hospital in Memphis due to her severe injuries.
Rokitka was initially charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury, in addition to the charges he ultimately pleaded guilty to. Following the plea agreement, he was sentenced to 10 years for leaving the scene and an additional five years for DUI. The sentence for DUI has been suspended until the completion of his 10-year sentence.
Surveillance footage played a critical role in the investigation, ultimately helping law enforcement identify Rokitka as the person responsible for the incident. He voluntarily turned himself in to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office the day after the collision. An additional charge has been filed against Rokitka’s passenger, 18-year-old Tristan Holland, who is regarded as an accessory to the incident. Notably, both Rokitka and Holland were not students at the University of Mississippi.
This plea agreement is viewed as providing a measure of closure for Fielder’s family and friends, who have been mourning the loss of a vibrant young man on what should have been a day of celebration. The Oxford Police Department has expressed gratitude to the Fielder family and community members for their cooperation in resolving the case, reflecting a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community in seeking justice.
For the families of victims such as Walker Fielder, tragic incidents like these highlight the dangers posed by impaired and reckless driving. The outcome of this case may serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of poor decisions behind the wheel, as well as the enduring impact those decisions can have on families and communities.
This event underscores the significance of road safety awareness as well as the ongoing commitment from law enforcement to uphold accountability for actions that endanger lives. The sentencing of Rokitka underlines the seriousness with which the justice system responds to cases involving impaired driving and fatal accidents.
As the community continues to grieve, they will undoubtedly find ways to honor Fielder’s memory and ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. The support seen throughout this ordeal demonstrates the strength of the Oxford community in times of adversity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Collierville Man Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Oxford
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
Man Pleads Guilty in Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of Ole Miss Student
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Former Deputy Police Chief Shares Journey in New Book
Lafayette County Tragedy: One Life Lost in Collision
Sigma Chi Fraternity Donates $60,000 for Mental Health Support at Ole Miss
Additional Resources
- WDAM News
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- People
- Google Search: reckless driving charges
- WTVA News
- Google Scholar: traffic accident liability
- Fox19 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: driving 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.
