“…Chris was a boy that didn't expect much, yet appreciated all... He personally, through selfless wholehearted goodness, changed many lives for the better in my family... Be at peace “Butchy” …Uncle Dave is here for you always…promise.” (1)
Fifteen year old Christopher Lanier was riding a borrowed Yamaha dirt bike when he was allegedly struck and killed by illegal alien, Santiago D. Solis, west of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Driving a Ford pickup truck, Solis knocked over the dirtbike, ran over Chris and drove away. Chris died of multiple injuries at Piedmont Medical Center on July 27, 2008, after the brutal hit-and-run accident. (2)
A sophomore at Northwestern High School, Chris had plans to take over his dad’s roofing company one day. He loved Pizza hut stuffed-crust pizza, had a mop of curly hair and his favorite color was orange. (2)
Chris had a special relationship with his grandparents. Chris’ grandmother, Maxine Woods, could not believe Solis fled the scene, “I wish he would have stayed. He (Christopher) was a child for God’s sake.” She continued, “He (Christopher) made me feel loved. Out of nowhere, he would come up and hug me. He was just so special.” (2)
Solis was charged with leaving the scene of a death and driving without a South Carolina driver’s license. If Solis is convicted, he would be turned over to federal immigration officials for deportation after serving his sentence. (3)
1. Online Guestbook for Chris Lanier
3. Sheriff: Suspect in fatal hit-and-run in country illegally