Baytown officer Michael Hightower has been indicted on two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault after an Oct. 23 on-duty collision that later killed two siblings, ages 8 and 10. Police initially said video and witness statements indicated Hightower had the right of way, but court documents allege he was speeding without lights or sirens. Six people were in the van; several others were hospitalized. Hightower turned himself in on Dec. 15 and posted a $150,000 bond as investigations continue.
Baytown Officer Indicted After On-Duty Crash That Killed Two Siblings, Ages 8 and 10
Baytown Police DepartmentOfficer Michael Hightower of the Baytown Police Department
A Baytown police officer has been indicted on criminal charges after an on-duty collision on Oct. 23 that later killed two young siblings and left others critically injured.
Officer Michael Hightower, a two-and-a-half-year veteran of the Baytown Police Department, was driving a marked patrol vehicle when it struck a van at the intersection of West Baker Road and Country Club Drive at approximately 7:10 p.m., police said in earlier statements. Authorities said Hightower was responding to a reported "persons with a weapon" call; another officer was already on scene and had requested additional units for assistance.
Indictment and Charges
On Dec. 12 a Harris County grand jury returned an indictment charging Hightower with two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. Hightower turned himself in to the court on Dec. 15 and posted a $150,000 bond the same day. The Baytown Police Department said he "remains on medical leave due to his injuries" and is cooperating with the legal process.
Baytown Police DepartmentOfficer Michael Hightower of the Baytown Police Department
Conflicting Accounts
Initial police releases said preliminary reviews of in-car video and witness statements suggested Officer Hightower had a green light and the right of way in the intersection. However, court documents reported by local outlets ABC13 Houston and KPRC 2 allege a different account: that Hightower was traveling at a high rate of speed and did not have his emergency lights or siren activated at the time of the collision.
Victims and Aftermath
Investigators say six people were in the van. Two young siblings — boys ages 8 and 10 — died of their injuries several days after the crash. Local reporting identified the boys as Jude Russell, 10, and Ryver Russell, 8, based on the indictment. Two additional siblings who were in the vehicle were hospitalized; the aggravated assault count in the indictment is tied to an older sister who was seriously injured. A GoFundMe organized to help the family had raised more than $73,000 as of Dec. 17.
"This tragedy leaves us without words. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for everyone impacted," Baytown Police Chief John Stringer said in an Oct. 31 statement. "As a father I feel this loss deeply and my heart breaks for everyone involved. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family during this heartbreaking time."
Authorities continue to investigate the collision. The Harris County District Attorney's Office and a Baytown Police Department spokesperson did not immediately provide additional comment when contacted by reporters. News outlets and investigators are continuing to report on the legal proceedings and the condition of the injured family members.
