In the early hours of a Sunday morning in southeast Austin, a crash that has now been stamped as the city's 88th fatal collision of the year claimed the life of a 47-year-old man. Authorities have charged 30-year-old Ali-Mbemba Kembilu with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in connection to the incident.
Juan Melesio was named by the CBS Austin as the victim who was pronounced dead at the scene around the intersection of East Riverside Drive and Tinnin Ford Road, a report that came in early on Sunday at approximately 6:49 a.m. The loss of Melesio's life, a fact laid bare in the harshness of dawn's light, marks another tally in the city's grim count of vehicular tragedies this year.
The suspect, Kembilu, was arrested following the crash. As of now, court records reviewed online do not display an attorney representing him. The Austin Police Department, still actively investigating the intricacies of this case, has yet to decide if further charges are to be levied against Kembilu. This is reported to possibly be forthcoming according to KXAN sources.
Those who witnessed the crash or can offer up details are being encouraged to come forward; the Austin Police Department's Vehicular Homicide unit is reachable at 512-974-8111. Tips can also be anonymously submitted through Capital Area Crime Stoppers by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. As the department pieces together the events that led to this moment of impact, the narrative being constructed is more than just the physics of speed and trajectory—it is about the lives unalterably altered by a decision to drive under the intoxicating veil of alcohol.
