July 24, 2023 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash that occurred at 2500 West Loop South (West Interstate Highway 610 South) about 2:15 a.m. on Saturday (July 22).  

The suspect, Daija Marche McElwee, 28, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 183rd State District Court.  A booking photo of McElwee is attached to this news release.  

The identity of the male victim, 48, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant P. Pham and Officer K. Johnson reported:  

The victim was a passenger in a white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck traveling southbound near the above address.  The truck stopped on the shoulder of the ramp to the northbound Eastex Freeway (North U.S. Highway 59) and the passenger exited to change a flat tire.  A white Ford Mustang then struck the rear of the truck and the victim.  

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.  The female driver of the truck suffered minor injuries, but declined to be transported to the hospital. 

The driver of the Mustang, later identified as McElwee, was detained at the scene and determined to be impaired.  She was arrested and subsequently charged in the crash.  


Daija Marche McElwee



VHS/JKS  7-24-23
Inc. #103919423-X