OC Mother charged with DUI after Death of Children

Two children are dead and their mother is behind bars after an early morning crash in Oconee County.  The mother stands charged with driving under the influence.  Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis reports that two young sisters were killed during the accident on Wells Highway near Utica Baptist Church around 2:15am New Year’s Day.  Addis reports that 1-year-old Taniyia Gambrell was found dead at the scene. Her older sister, 4 year-old Saryia Patton-Dean went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital where she died shortly after 3am.  Addis said the two girls were both secured in child safety seats, but suffered fatal head injuries. According to investigators, their mother, Melissa Patton, lost control, struck a sign, and overturned the SUV she was driving.  She stands charged with two counts of felony DUI with death and with driving with a suspended license. Her bond was set at $50,652.  The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.