The driver responsible for two deaths in the car crash at SXSW has been identified by police as Rashad Charjuan Owens.
The 21-year-old is suspected of being drunk early Thursday, March 13 (or late Wednesday night) when he drove his car right into a crowded street blocked off for the SXSW Festival. Owens killed two people on impact and barreled through crowds, resulting in over twenty people injured with eight currently in the hospital receiving treatment – two are in critical condition while another three are in serious condition and three more people are still in the hospital with serious injuries, but are expected to recover.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, and Owens struck and killed a man on a bicycle and a woman riding a moped. The woman’s identity has not yet been released by the police, but the man who died has been identified as Steven Craenmehr, 35, creative director of MassiveMusic, who was attending the festival.
“During the 8 years that Steven worked for MassiveMusic, we got to know him as an unstoppable force, full of life, love and laughter. This is an irreplaceable loss for the MassiveMusic family and we are grateful for the years we spent with him. Our thoughts are with Steven’s family and friends,” MassiveMusic said in a statement.
Owens was treated for minor injuries he sustained when his car crashed into a Taxi, essentially ending the police pursuit. His blood alcohol level was tested, but the results have yet to be released. He is now in custody where he will be charged with two counts of capital murder and 23 counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle. He has a record containing many misdemeanor arrests, including one DWI.
As previously reported, SXSW is continuing as scheduled, though many events will need to be moved. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo says he encouraged the SXSW organizers to continue with the festival, saying, “This is an individual who showed no regard for the human beings he plowed through. We can’t let one individual ruin this great event.”
– Olivia Truffaut-Wong
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