Baytown police officer driving 95mph in crash that killed 2 brothers: sources

BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) — New details have emerged in the deadly crash involving a Baytown police officer that killed two young brothers and injured their mother and sisters.

A Harris County grand jury indicted Baytown police officer Michael Hightower on two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of 10-year-old Jude Russell and 8-year-old Ryver Russell. He also faces one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon because their older sister was also seriously injured.

The crash happened on Oct. 23 when Hightower’s patrol car collided with a minivan carrying six members of the family. Initially, investigators believed the crash was a tragic accident. The crash report showed Hightower had the right-of-way at the intersection.

However, investigators later recovered vehicle data revealing Hightower was driving at an extremely high speed. Sources say he was traveling 95mph in a 40mph zone. Court records also show that his emergency lights and sirens were not activated at the time of the crash.

Business surveillance video captured police vehicles speeding toward the intersection of West Baker Road and Goose Creek in the aftermath of the collision. The day after the crash, debris and children’s coloring books remained scattered at the scene as the two boys clung to life. Both died five days later.

According to the crash report, although Hightower had a green light, his excessive speed reduced the mother’s ability to react when she tried to make a turn at the intersection.

Hightower posted a $150,000 bond Monday. Baytown police say he remains on medical leave due to injuries sustained in the crash. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

Hightower’s first court appearance is scheduled for next month. State records show has been a Baytown police officer since January 2024.

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