HOUSTON – The man accused of hitting and killing a couple while they crossed the street on Sunday night appeared in court Thursday.
Donovan Donte Harris, 27, is charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. Harris was also charged with a separate aggravated assault case on March 15 and was out on bond at the time of the crash. In that case, police accused him of pulling out a gun at a Jack and the Box because he said they had slow service.
Harris’ bond was set at $650,000-- $150,000 for the aggravated assault case and $250,000 each for the intoxication manslaughter charges.
Officers responded to an auto-pedestrian crash in the 6100 block of Westheimer Road near Briar Ridge Drive at around 9:20 p.m.
According to Houston police, Harris, who was in a black BMW 328i, allegedly drove at least double the speed limit on Westheimer before striking the couple while they crossed the street.
The couple, identified by the family as Ann and Sederick Barrett, died at the scene. Police said the couple was not using the crosswalk at the time of the crash.
“It’s like a race track out there now, high dollar, high speed, very powerful cars,” Larry Fagala said.
Fagala has lived near Westheimer Road for four years.
He says restaurants and bars have made the area more popular at night.
“I’d like to see some enforcement out here,” he said.
Investigators said Harris, who was intoxicated at the time, stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. Police said a passenger, who was in Harris’ vehicle, fled the scene on foot.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris was previously charged with evading arrest and criminal trespass in 2013 and 2014.
Harris was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on March 15, according to the Harris County District Court’s Office.
Family members and friends gathered on Monday evening to remember Ann and Sederick.
“It just all really feel like a dream, like a tragic loss,” said Destane Best, who said she is Ann’s daughter.
Dawn Esparza-Gonzalez, who said Ann was a close friend, said she was with the couple on Sunday night.
“I went to try to be with my friend after I called 911 and there was nothing I could do for her,” said Esparza-Gonzalez.