Om Patel emerged from a burning BMW covered in blood and told sheriff's deputies he had killed his passenger, prosecutors say. Inside the vehicle, 18-year-old Tessa Walker lay dead with a fractured skull and brain matter exposed.
Background
The crash occurred before 4:30 a.m. on March 22 near Missouri Highway 45 and North Main Street in Platte County, according to an arrest affidavit. Patel, also 18 and from Riverside, had been driving a 2024 BMW M4 with Walker inside when he lost control, causing the vehicle to roll over and catch fire.
Walker was a senior at a local high school and a talented three-sport athlete who competed in volleyball and track while excelling academically. Her family remembered her as an artist, writer, and someone who 'would have indeed changed the world.'
"Tessa will forever be remembered for her wit and smile," her obituary stated.
Investigators later determined that Patel and Walker had been attending an 18th birthday party at a rented Airbnb before the crash. "Evidence of underage consumption of alcohol was located" at the scene, according to the affidavit.
The Investigation
Platte County sheriff's deputies arrived to find the BMW fully engulfed in flames. Once firefighters extinguished the blaze, responders discovered Walker deceased in the back passenger side of the vehicle.
"The BMW appeared to have impacted the ground before rolling over for one full rotation," the affidavit noted. "The BMW came to rest on its wheels, facing west."
A third passenger in the vehicle sustained moderate injuries and survived. Patel was uninjured.
Investigators conducted a speed scuff analysis on tire marks left at the scene and determined Patel was traveling at "a speed of at least 102.65 mph" in what investigators say was a 45 mph zone.
After exiting the burning vehicle, Patel allegedly made his admission to authorities. "Patel admitted to coming from a party," the affidavit states. "Patel told [a deputy], 'I drove and killed her.'"
Patel's blood-alcohol content measured .047% after the crash—above Missouri's legal limit of .02% for drivers under 21.
Key Takeaways
- Om Patel, 18, has been charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter
- He allegedly admitted to police: "I drove and killed her"
- Speed analysis showed he was traveling at more than twice the posted limit at the time of the crash
- Tessa Walker was a three-sport high school senior described as talented in volleyball, track, academics, art, and writing
- Patel had a blood-alcohol content above the legal threshold for his age group
- A third passenger survived with moderate injuries
What's Next
Patel is currently in custody. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted of second-degree involuntary manslaughter. No court date has been set as of publication.
"Members of the Crash Team conducted an investigation at the scene of the collision," according to the affidavit, which did not specify whether additional charges related to underage drinking or reckless driving are pending.