HOUSTON, TX – Two people were killed early Friday morning after a Tesla, allegedly driven by 21-year-old Ariel Perry Stewart, a student from Michigan, rear-ended a Nissan at high speed on the Katy Freeway inbound near the Taylor Street Bridge.
The crash occurred around 1:14 a.m. The impact caused the Nissan to catch fire, trapping both the driver and a passenger inside. They were pronounced deceased at the scene. Family members identified the victims as 22-year-old Bianca Romero and her boyfriend, Christian Rangel, according to local news sources, which matches the information listed in court documents. (Officials have not yet publicly released the victims’ or suspects’ identities.)
Following the collision, the Tesla struck barriers on both sides of the freeway before coming to a stop. A passenger in the Tesla was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. The female driver, Stewart, was arrested around 2:50 a.m. and charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter.
Financial documents filed with the court indicate that Stewart is a student, although they do not specify which school she attends. Her bond was set at $100,000 for each count, and records show both bonds have been made. She has since been released from custody. Her next court setting is scheduled for October 20 in the 337th District Court.
The freeway remained closed for several hours as the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division investigated. More information will follow if it becomes available.
