Black BMW entered the intersection and struck another vehicle near Morgan Avenue
January 07, 2026 | Wauwatosa, WI
A fatal two-vehicle collision at the intersection of South 76th Street and Morgan Avenue claimed the life of D'Monte Owens, 29, from Milwaukee County, on Jan. 7.
D'Monte Owens, 29, of Milwaukee County, died after a southbound black BMW struck another vehicle at South 76th Street and Morgan Avenue in Wauwatosa.
What Happened in the Crash?
Around 7:25 p.m., a southbound black BMW entered the intersection and collided with another vehicle, causing it to spin onto the sidewalk. Both vehicles sustained severe front-end damage. The Wauwatosa Police Department responded to the scene and is leading the ongoing investigation.
Key details from the incident include:
- Date and Time: Jan. 7, around 7:25 p.m.
- Location: South 76th Street at Morgan Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI.
- Vehicles Involved: Black BMW, southbound, and another vehicle.
- Victim: D'Monte Owens, 29, pronounced dead at the scene.
- BMW Driver: 21-year-old male, evaluated for impairment and hospitalized for a blood draw.
- Charges: Second-degree reckless homicide and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.
- Speed Limit: 35 mph— BMW recorded at 62 mph with no braking or evasive steering in the five seconds before the crash.
Officers determined the BMW was speeding based on vehicle positions and data from its crash data recorder.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving combined with excessive speed often leads to devastating outcomes on roadways. The driver admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day, and a Drug Recognition professional noted signs of impairment. Pending blood test results could further clarify the extent of influence.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S., with speeding and impairment contributing significantly.
Factor |
Contribution to Fatal Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Impaired Driving (Alcohol/Drugs) |
10% of all fatal accidents |
National Safety Council |
Speeding |
Up to 30% of crash fatalities |
Federal Highway Administration |
Distracted or Reckless Operation |
Second-leading cause of automobile deaths |
CDC |
This table highlights key risk factors, underscoring the preventable nature of many collisions.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the severe consequences of impaired and reckless driving in motor vehicle crashes.
"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents causing harm or death. In cases such as this, separate from criminal proceedings, affected families may pursue compensation via civil action against the at-fault party," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from such incidents:
- Impaired operation endangers all road users and can lead to homicide charges.
- Families may seek damages for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Legal representation ensures rights are protected during investigations.
"The grief following a loved one's death in a crash can be overwhelming. A wrongful death attorney monitors official investigations and safeguards interests," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
The investigation remains active as charges advance.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).