South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Killing Three Fishers Girls

Source: Photo: (gorodenkoff/getty images)

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A judge’s prison sentence for a woman who killed three teenagers from Fishers has left many Hoosiers feeling that justice wasn’t served.

In 2021, twin sisters Elle and Belle Gaddis traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with their friends Brianna Foster and Maci Waltz.  Police say that Melissa Ann Parker, who was under the influence of drugs and driving a stolen Hummer, crashed into their car, killing the Gaddis twins and Foster.

“I don’t think justice was served for our girls,” Jodi Foster, Brianna’s mother, said. “They received death sentences, we all received life sentences, and I think she should have gotten the same.”

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Prosecutors say Melissa Ann Parker has a long criminal history, including past charges for driving under the influence and drug-related offenses. On the day of the crash, drugs were in her system, but her defense claimed she was experiencing a psychotic episode when she collided with the girls.

Macy Waltz, who survived the crash, expressed that she wished the sentence was longer but feels better knowing that, for now, Parker will be behind bars. “I wish she was going to stay in there longer, but I feel better knowing at least for the next 21 years she won’t be out there able to hurt anyone else,” Waltz said.

Parker pleaded guilty to three felony DUI charges resulting in death, along with assault and battery, grand theft, and hit-and-run. She received a 25-year prison sentence and was fined $25,100 for each victim.