Left inset: Om Patel (Platte County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Tessa Walker (Park Hill School District). Background: The scene of the fiery crash that Om Patel allegedly caused, taking the life of Missouri high school senior Tessa Walker (WDAF/YouTube).
In Missouri, a teenager confessed to authorities, stating, “I drove and killed her,” after a tragic incident involving a BMW crash. The vehicle was speeding at an alarming 102 mph in a zone designated for 45 mph. This reckless driving led to the death of a high school senior, who was also a celebrated sports star, following an alcohol-laden birthday bash, as reported by the police.
Om Patel, 18, hailing from Riverside, emerged from the wrecked and blazing 2024 BMW M4, smeared with the blood of Tessa Walker, the victim. The arrest affidavit detailed that Walker suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull with exposed brain matter. Patel allegedly confessed to causing Walker’s death, who was remembered by her family and school as an accomplished athlete across three sports, while the car was engulfed in flames.
The affidavit notes that Patel acknowledged leaving a party prior to the crash. He reportedly admitted to a deputy, “I drove and killed her.”
Authorities from the Platte County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the crash site, near Missouri Highway 45 and North Main Street, around 4:30 a.m. on March 22, according to the affidavit. The crash also involved a third passenger who sustained moderate injuries but survived, while Patel remained unscathed.
The affidavit reveals that the Crash Team conducted an on-site investigation of the accident. Findings showed that the BMW had hit the ground before completing a full roll, eventually landing upright facing west. Investigators found tire marks and deduced through a “speed scuff analysis” that Patel was driving at least 102.65 mph when the marks were made. Upon arrival, deputies found the BMW fully consumed by flames.
Investigators located a set of tire marks and determined through a “speed scuff analysis” that Patel was traveling at “a speed of at least 102.65 mph” when he caused the tire marks, according to police. The BMW was “fully engulfed in flames” when deputies arrived at the scene.
“Once the fire was put out, responders located [Walker] deceased in the back passenger side of the BMW,” the affidavit says.
After launching their investigation, police discovered that the party Patel and Walker attended was for an 18-year-old’s birthday at a rented Airbnb.
“Evidence of underage consumption of alcohol was located,” the affidavit says.
Patel had a blood-alcohol content of .047% after the crash, which is over the legal limit for people under the age of 21 in Missouri.
“Tessa will forever be remembered for her wit and smile,” an obituary for Walker says. “She was an athlete, an artist and writer. She dominated in competitive volleyball, track and academics. If given time she would have indeed changed the world.”
Patel is facing a second-degree involuntary manslaughter charge. He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.
