Case:          19-0581824

Date:           February 27, 2019

Time:          10:25 p.m.

Location:     East 7th Street and Springdale Road

Deceased:   Javier Emanuel Niño Esparza, Hispanic male (D.O.B. 1/20/2000)

The preliminary investigation shows a white, 2000 Lexus RX300 was traveling eastbound on East 7^th Street when the driver ran a red light and struck a grey, 2004 Volkswagen Golf moving northbound on Springdale Road. The force of the impact caused both the Lexus and Volkswagen to also strike a white, 2019 Jeep Cherokee that was stopped at the red light.
 
The driver of the Volkswagen Golf, Javier Emanuel Niño Esparza, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 
The driver of the Lexus, Duane Harris, 29, was transported to a local hospital for treatment following the crash as were two other occupants from the vehicle. Harris has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Duane Harris

APD is investigating this case. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-5594. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android. 

This is Austin’s tenth fatal traffic crash of 2019, resulting in ten fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, there were ten fatal traffic crashes and eleven traffic fatalities.

These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.