Ocean Springs man pleads guilty in 2020 DUI case that killed one, injured another

An Ocean Springs man will spend 20 years behind bars after killing one man and injuring another in a 2020 drunk driving case.

33-year-old Ernesto Antonio Rodriguez pleaded guilty Tuesday to aggravated DUI causing death, aggravated DUI causing injury and leaving the scene of an accident.

Circuit Judge Keith Miller sentenced Rodriguez to 25 years with 20 serve on each of the DUI counts and 20 years on the leaving the scene charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

On September 19, 2020, Rodriquez hit two men — Joseph Balius and Caleb Bosworth — while they were working on the shoulder of the road. Balius was killed and Bosworth was seriously injured. After hitting the men, he left the scene but was stopped shortly after by a Jackson County deputy, who saw Rodriguez swerving in the roadway.

The deputy also saw the damage to Rodriguez’ vehicle and determined he was the driver who hit the men.

“This case should have never happened,” said District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath. “The defendant’s choice to engage in criminally reckless behavior stole the life of one victim and forever altered the life of another and both of their families. The pain inflicted upon these families is immeasurable and the justice delivered today is but a small part of their lifelong journey of loss, grief, and healing. My team and I were proud to be their voices in the courtroom.  We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our community and hold those who commit violent crimes here accountable.”