Details regarding the tragic car crash that left two dead and many others injured at SXSW earlier this week have been released. The morning following the incident, a press conference held by Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Managing Director of SXSW Roland Swenson and other representatives of safety departments revealed that the suspect had been detained and the event will continue as planned. “We cannot allow one individual to ruin a wonderful event,” Police Chief Acevedo stated. “I urge SXSW to continue.”

The suspect who has now been charged on two counts of capital murder and 23 attempts of aggravated assault with a vehicle is Rashad Owens, otherwise known by his moniker KillingAllBeatz or K.A.B254. Owens is an aspiring rapper and was scheduled to perform Wednesday evening at Club 1808 as part of SXSW.

One of two who passed in this devastating event was 27-year old Jamie Ranae West, a woman who was struck while riding a moped with her husband, Evan West, who remains in the hospital. The second was 35-year old Steven Craenmehr, creative director of the international Amsterdam-based music agency, Massive Music.

Venues near the accident Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlie’s reopened after determining it would be a safer decision than deterring thousands of expectant show attendees and causing confusion. After releasing an official statement, SXSW has established the SXSW Cares fund to aid and assist the victims. Donations can be made online here.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of Jamie Ranae West, Steven Craenmehr, and those who were injured in the crash.

Via: Pitchfork

 

Read More:

Breaking News: 2 dead, 23 injured in hit and run at SXSW

 

Tags: car crash, south by southwest, sxsw

Categories: News