Man charged with two felonies for fatal crash involving beloved Austin imam

A man accused of hitting a well-respected Muslim spiritual leader with his car last year has been formally charged with two major offenses, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office reported on Monday. Markell Turner, aged 34, faces charges of manslaughter and theft from a person, both of which are considered serious felonies, in addition to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. The incident occurred on North Lamar Boulevard where 50-year-old Islam Mossaad tragically lost his life after being struck. Mossaad, a revered Imam and esteemed leader at the North Austin Muslim Community Center, was walking along the road at the time of the collision. Turner, as per court documents, is alleged to have committed a theft before fleeing the scene and subsequently causing the fatal impact on Mossaad. Travis County District Attorney José Garza expressed the aim of seeking accountability in this matter. "Our hearts go out to Mr. Mossaad's family," Garza remarked in a statement. "An impartial panel of Travis County residents reviewed the evidence and concluded that Turner's actions were illegal." "The impact of this incident reverberated throughout the entire Travis County community, given Mr. Mossaad's significant role in Central Texas as a faith leader and devoted servant," Garza added. Turner is being represented by a public defender as his case progresses to trial in the 167th District Court for Travis County.