A Travis County grand jury has indicted a North Austin driver on manslaughter and theft charges tied to a crash that killed a 49-year-old man last summer, moving a months-old case into a new phase. Prosecutors say the panel returned the indictment on Dec. 22, naming 34-year-old Markell Turner, who was first arrested on a DWI charge after the wreck.
According to CBS Austin, Turner was indicted Dec. 22 on two felony counts connected to the July 27, 2025, death of Islam Mossaad. The indictment alleges Turner "unlawfully acquired a juvenile's phone, belt and watch" and "recklessly caused Mossaad's death by crashing into him," the outlet reports. Travis County District Attorney José Garza said in a statement, "Our hearts continue to break for the family of Mr. Mossaad."
Crash and Immediate Arrests
Austin police say officers were dispatched on a Disturbance Hotshot call to 12333 N. Lamar Blvd. at about 8:35 p.m. on July 27 and arrived to find a pedestrian who was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to a City of Austin press release. The release identified the victim as 49-year-old Islam Mossaad and noted the wreck was recorded as the city's 55th fatal crash of 2025. APD said three people were arrested in connection with the collision.
One of those arrested was a 16-year-old boy who faces an aggravated-assault-with-a-deadly-weapon charge, while 34-year-old Jarina D. Robinson was booked on a possession charge, FOX 7 Austin reported. Turner, who police say was driving the second vehicle involved, was initially cited for DWI after officers arrived.
What the Indictment Says Happened
The grand jury indictment charges Turner with two felony counts tied to the collision and links the alleged theft to the moments before the deadly impact, according to CBS Austin. Prosecutors say the filing alleges Turner took a juvenile's phone, belt, and watch, then "recklessly caused" Mossaad's death by striking him with his vehicle. The escalation from an initial DWI arrest to manslaughter and theft charges marks a significant shift in how the case is being pursued.
What Comes Next in Court
An indictment means a grand jury found there was probable cause to bring charges, not that Turner is guilty, and he remains presumed innocent under the law. His case will now move through the county courts, where prosecutors will decide how to proceed on the counts returned by the grand jury. If the alleged theft is part of the prosecution's theory at trial, they will have to explain how those actions connect to the fatal crash.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact APD's Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 or submit an anonymous tip to Capital Area Crime Stoppers, the City of Austin said. The district attorney's office has publicly acknowledged the toll Mossaad's death has taken on his family and the wider community.
