The three teenagers who died in a high-speed police chase that ended in a crash in northwest Harris County on January 2 have been identified as Christopher Granados and Justin Cruz, both 14 and 16-year-old Alexander Romero.
BACKGROUND: 3 teens killed, 3 others hurt during chase with Harris County deputies in stolen vehicle
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According to Justin Elbert, Executive Director of Communications for Klein ISD, Christopher Granados was enrolled at Klein Oak High School, and Alexander Romero and Justin Cruz were students at Klein Collins High School
Families of the victims are now preparing funeral services while the community rallies to support them through fundraising efforts. Over 100 people have donated to the campaigns, collectively raising over $6,000.
A campaign for Justin Cruz, organized by his cousin Emely Palma, has raised $3,000 of its $6,000 goal. Palma described Cruz as hardworking and kindhearted, saying he “exhibited a caring heart to anyone he met.”
His funeral service is scheduled for January 12 at Iglesia Cristiana Un Nuevo Comienzo en Cristo. The public is invited to pay respects starting at 6 p.m.
A separate campaign for Christopher Granados was organized by Lesly Rivas to assist his parents and older brothers. “This GoFundMe is to help with funeral costs,” Rivas wrote. “Anything is appreciated, thank you so much.”
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Cristina Romero has raised $1,592 of its $14,000 goal to help Alexander Romero’s family cover funeral expenses.
“Alex was involved in a tragic accident along with others,” wrote Cristina Romero in the campaign description. “He left his parents, his older sister, and his baby brother with only memories to remember him.”
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She described Alex as hardworking and kindhearted, adding that the family is not only grappling with emotional grief but also the financial burden of funeral costs.
While the exact details of Alexander’s funeral service have not been announced, the GoFundMe page states that the service will be held on January 12.
What happened?
Authorities said the teens were in a stolen car when deputies attempted to pull them over near Rolling Creek Drive and Kuykendahl Road. The driver refused to stop, and the brief chase ended with a crash at Sorrel Ridge and Rolling Terrace Drive near Cypresswood Drive.
The car carried six teens between the ages of 14 and 16. Investigators reported that two were thrown from the car and died at the scene, while a third was pronounced dead on arrival. The remaining three passengers are recovering in the hospital in serious condition.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the teens had items often associated with smash-and-grab thefts, including hammers and gloves, as well as face coverings. The incident is under investigation.