A police officer in Texas has been formally charged with manslaughter following a devastating collision that claimed the lives of two young brothers and left their three sisters seriously injured.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Baytown Police Officer Michael Hightower, 28, is accused of speeding through an intersection without his emergency lights or sirens activated on the night of October 23. He was responding to a separate call regarding a person with a weapon in the area. His patrol car collided violently with a Honda Odyssey minivan as it was turning left at a blinking yellow arrow at the intersection of Goose Creek and West Baker Road in Houston.
The minivan was occupied by a woman and five children. The force of the impact was so severe that Officer Hightower and two of the child victims required airlifting to hospital for emergency medical treatment. Bystanders and police performed CPR at the scene while waiting for Life Flight helicopters to arrive.
Investigation Reveals Contradictory Evidence
Initially, Baytown police stated that evidence, including witness statements and dashcam footage, indicated Officer Hightower 'had a green light and the right of way'. However, a subsequent independent review of the evidence allegedly found that the officer was speeding without his emergency equipment activated at the time of the crash.
Hightower turned himself in to authorities on Monday and now faces two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. He was released after posting a $150,000 bond. The officer, who has been with the department for over two years, underwent surgery for a leg injury and remains on medical leave. Police confirm he is cooperating fully with the legal process, with his next court date set for January 12.
A Family's Devastating Loss
The two children who lost their lives were brothers Jude Russell, 10, and Ryver Russell, 8. Their father, Clint Russell, said the boys 'passed peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of family.' Their three sisters, aged 16, 14, and 3, survived but sustained devastating injuries, including multiple fractures and a brain bleed.
In a statement to the press, Baytown Police addressed the ongoing case: 'We are aware of the public concern surrounding this incident, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected... The facts will be addressed fully and fairly through the judicial process.' Previously, Baytown Police Chief John Stringer called the crash 'heartbreaking' and a 'tragedy for everyone involved.'
