The aunt of 22-year-old Ronnie Burns, Keesha Moore, confirmed to KPRC 2 he is one of the victims in the suspected drunk driving crash in Midtown on Saturday.
Moore said Burns just graduated from Florida A&M University a few months ago and was getting ready to take on a new job.
“Him and my son were my tech guys,” said Moore. “He was just that person we could depend on for whatever we needed.”
Moore said she could not believe when she heard the news of her nephew’s death.
“It hit me like a ton of bricks,” said Moore. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Officials with the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable’s Office shared new details about a crash that killed Burns and another man during a police pursuit in Midtown early Saturday morning.
According to investigators, the incident began just after 2 a.m. on August 2, when a Precinct 7 deputy, identified as Deputy Gatwright, saw a black Ford F-150 involved in two hit-and-run crashes near the 2700 block of Smith Street.
The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver sped off, running red lights. The chase lasted about 15 seconds and ended a few blocks away at the intersection of Smith and Elgin streets.
Constable James Smokey Phillips said the deputy followed all proper protocol.
“Once she observed it, she activated her emergency equipment and her visual and audio equipment in pursuit after the truck,” said Phillips.
The deputy has been placed on administrative leave due to the emotional toll of the incident, according to Phillips.
Officials said the suspect’s truck ran a red light and crashed into a white Lexus that was traveling through the intersection. The impact caused the Lexus to hit a nearby building and catch fire.
Two men inside the Lexus were pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials, the victims were reportedly in town for a fraternity and sorority event. The other man’s identity is still pending release.
BACKGROUND: Man charged with murder after killing 2 in crash during high-speed pursuit
The driver of the Ford F-150 was identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez. He was taken to the hospital for surgery and remains in custody.
Investigators said deputies smelled alcohol and noted that Hernandez had slurred speech at the scene. He is now charged with two counts of murder.
A woman who was also in the truck with Hernandez was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is being handled by the Precinct 7 Constable’s Office, the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Body camera and dash camera video was recorded but have not been released.
Investigators are also working to determine where Hernandez had been drinking and whether any establishment could be held responsible. Officials said Hernandez does not have a known criminal history.
Deputy Gatwright has been placed on administrative leave due to the emotional toll of the incident. Officials said this is not related to any misconduct but is standard in cases involving fatalities. They also emphasized the importance of mental health support for officers.
Precinct 7 has a policing contract with the Midtown area and shares jurisdiction with the Houston Police Department.
Officials urged the public to never drive under the influence. They said the loss of life in this crash mirrors the circumstances that led to the death of Deputy Jennifer Chavis, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in 2022.
