Easley Man charged in Woman’s Death during Highway Patrol Pursuit

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has charged 39-year-old El Asia Hassian Muhammad for leaving the scene of an accident with death, which resulted in the death of a 39-year-old Seneca woman, Vanessa Leanne Neimeyer. This charge is a felony which carries a sentence up to 25 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine. Muhammad ran from the scene after the incident but was apprehended by the South Carolina Highway Patrol without incident.  On July 1st, 2019, the South Carolina Highway Patrol set up a license checkpoint at the intersection of Wells Highway and Owens Road. A vehicle driven by Muhammad was traveling east on Wells Highway and upon approaching the check point did not stop; which resulted in a pursuit by the Highway Patrol. The vehicle went through the intersection at Clemson Boulevard, then crashed into the basement of the residence on Clemson Boulevard. The vehicle came to rest on top of Neimeyer, who was in bed and she died at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office asks for prayers for this family. Muhammad is currently in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center.