10-26-2015, 09:28 PM
Automobiles aren't designed to be weapons and almost all auto deaths are accidents or a result of negligence rather than intent.
But, I've read about two cases recently where automobiles may have been used willfully to hurt or kill people.
TEXAS
![[Image: sxsw_crash_mugshot_a_l.jpg]](http://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/675x380/2014/03/sxsw_crash_mugshot_a_l.jpg)
Jury selection began today in the trial of ^ 23-year-old Rashad Owens, the man accused of driving into a crowd and killing two during South by Southwest in 2014.
Owens has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of 35-year-old Steven Craenmehr of Amsterdam, Holland and Austin resident Jamie West, 27.
Police said that Owens fled from an officer when he was pulled over at a gas station on the I-35 service road, drove the wrong way down Ninth Street - a one-way street - and through a SXSW barricade. Police said he then drove through a group of pedestrians standing outside of Mohawk, a popular bar and music venue, killing Craenmehr and West.
He is also being charged with 24 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s accused of injuring 24 people, some critically with his vehicle.
After being treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the crash, Owens agreed to a breath test and it showed his blood-alcohol content as .114, according an arrest affidavit. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Texas in .08.
Despite the two capital murder charges, prosecutors said they do not plan to seek the death penalty against Owens.
http://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/ju...owd-begins
But, I've read about two cases recently where automobiles may have been used willfully to hurt or kill people.
TEXAS
Jury selection began today in the trial of ^ 23-year-old Rashad Owens, the man accused of driving into a crowd and killing two during South by Southwest in 2014.
Owens has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of 35-year-old Steven Craenmehr of Amsterdam, Holland and Austin resident Jamie West, 27.
Police said that Owens fled from an officer when he was pulled over at a gas station on the I-35 service road, drove the wrong way down Ninth Street - a one-way street - and through a SXSW barricade. Police said he then drove through a group of pedestrians standing outside of Mohawk, a popular bar and music venue, killing Craenmehr and West.
He is also being charged with 24 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s accused of injuring 24 people, some critically with his vehicle.
After being treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the crash, Owens agreed to a breath test and it showed his blood-alcohol content as .114, according an arrest affidavit. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Texas in .08.
Despite the two capital murder charges, prosecutors said they do not plan to seek the death penalty against Owens.
http://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/ju...owd-begins