AUSTIN — Arrest Warrant Issued in Fatal Crash
An arrest warrant has been issued for a man believed to be connected to a fatal car accident that occurred earlier this year on U.S. Highway 290. According to an affidavit from the local police department, this tragic incident involved a 19-year-old woman who later died from her injuries.
The crash took place around 3:30 a.m. on March 12, 2024. Officers arrived at the scene, located in the 9400 block of East U.S. Highway 290 service road eastbound, where they found a single vehicle involved. The driver, identified as Jennifer Manriquez-Ramirez, suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries on March 14.
Investigation Reveals Complications
After the collision, homicide investigators from the police department examined the scene. They discovered additional tire marks in the grass nearby that did not belong to Manriquez-Ramirez’s vehicle, suggesting the involvement of another vehicle. Surveillance footage from a nearby business offered crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash. The video captured Manriquez-Ramirez’s vehicle striking a guardrail before colliding with a dark-colored sedan.
According to the affidavit, the sedan was seen spinning out of control after the crash, eventually driving up onto the curb and into the grass. This dark-colored vehicle didn’t remain at the scene for long before driving away.
Connections to Adult Nightclub
On March 27, investigators received a tip that Manriquez-Ramirez had been at an adult nightclub with a friend prior to the crash. Reports indicated that her boyfriend, Larry Romell Mason, was also present at the club and appeared upset. After leaving the nightclub, Mason reportedly followed Manriquez-Ramirez in his dark-colored vehicle.
The investigation continued over the next few months, with detectives interviewing witnesses who had been with either Manriquez-Ramirez or Mason on that fateful night. One witness noted that although they did not leave the nightclub with Manriquez-Ramirez, they received a social media message from Mason after the crash. In his message, Mason claimed he merely followed behind her.
Arrest Warrant Issued
As the investigation unfolded, police pieced together evidence suggesting that Mason was indeed the driver of the vehicle that fled the scene. Based on the findings, an arrest warrant was issued for Mason on a charge of collision involving death after failing to remain at the scene of the accident.
As of now, Mason is currently in custody at the Travis County Jail. His bond has been set at $75,000. The authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and are working to gather more information.
An attorney representing Mason has been contacted for a statement regarding the situation, but there has been no response as of yet. This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information comes in regarding both the case and Mason’s legal standing.
The community of Austin remains shocked over the events that unfolded that night, and many mourn the loss of Jennifer Manriquez-Ramirez, whose life was tragically cut short. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by residents as they seek justice for those affected by this incident.
