HOUSTON, TX – Police have officially identified the driver charged in connection with a fiery crash on the Katy Freeway that left two people dead as 21-year-old Ariel Perry Stewart.
The crash occurred around 1:14 a.m. on October 19, 2025, in the inbound lanes of the Katy Freeway near the Taylor Street Bridge. According to police, Stewart was behind the wheel of a Tesla when it rear-ended a Nissan at high speed, causing the Nissan to catch fire. Both occupants of the Nissan were trapped and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Court documents and family members have identified the victims as 22-year-old Bianca Romero and her boyfriend, Christian Rangel.
After the initial impact, the Tesla struck barriers on both sides of the freeway before coming to a stop. A passenger in the Tesla was hospitalized in stable condition.
Stewart, identified as a student from Michigan according to court records, was arrested at approximately 2:50 a.m. and charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. She was released from custody after posting bond, which was set at $100,000 per count. Her next court appearance was scheduled for October 20 in the 337th District Court.
The Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division continues to investigate. More information will follow if it becomes available.
