BEAUMONT, Texas — A 21-year-old Winnie man has been indicted on a manslaughter charge connected to a hit-and-run wreck that happened in August.
Tristen Dunnam, 21, of Winnie, was indicted on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, by a Jefferson County grand jury on a charge of manslaughter.
In Texas manslaughter is a second degree felony that is punishable by a prison sentence from two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Dunnam was involved in a wreck that happened at about 9:35 p.m., August 12, 2023, in West Jefferson County, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Troopers say that Dunnam was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado westbound at a "high rate of speed" along Texas Highway 73 about seven miles east of Winnie.
He struck the rear of a westbound 1997 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Christian Sykes, 45, of Winnie, causing it to flip several times the release said.
Troopers say that Dunnam was picked up by another vehicle and left the scene of the wreck.
Sykes, who was ejected from the Suburban, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, according to the news release.
A 5-year-old child who was riding in the Suburban was taken by ambulance to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
Sykes was the technical director for the Lamar University Department of Theatre & Dance. The department posted a statement on Facebook lamenting his death.
"The Department of Theatre & Dance is deeply saddened at the unexpected loss of our technical director, colleague, and dear friend Christian Crick Sykes. Christian worked full time for over two years as technical director and shop manager. He was the hardest working person in the building and the glue that held our productions together. Moreover a mentor to the students."
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
