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Driver charged in Cherokee County crash that left two teens dead

Esteban Cortez-Rendon and Gabriel Escandon died in the crash on Towne Lake Parkway.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Editor's note: The video used in this story is from previous coverage of this topic.

The driver accused in a deadly crash that killed two teens and injured three others has been booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center Wednesday morning. 

Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies identified the alleged suspect as Oliver Luis Roman, 18.

The deadly crash happened on Towne Lake Parkway near Towne Lake Hills East on Jan. 9. According to the sheriff's office, a Mazda 6 "left the roadway and struck a tree in the center median," claiming the lives of Esteban Cortez-Rendon and Gabriel Escandon.

Another 17-year-old from Marietta had injuries described as serious.  An 18-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma had injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening.

At the time of the crash, the sheriff's office said speed appeared to be a contributing factor in the wreck.

In a letter to parents, Etowah High School Principal Robert Horn said one of the victims who died was a former Etowah student who last attended the school in 2022. No current Etowah High students were involved.

The 18-year-old driver from Powder Springs has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving and violation of a Class D license.  He remains in custody without bond, according to deputies. 

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