South Burlington Police have identified the individuals involved in the deadly two-car crash early Saturday after a chase by police.

Jason Schumann, 20, of Winooski, and Samuel Laframboise, 18, of Burlington, were killed in the Spear Street collision at about 2 a.m. Saturday.

The crash occurred after a Nissan Maxima operated by Michael Lewis, 28, of Burlington, attempted to elude the police. Lewis' Maxima struck a vehicle being operated by Danny Melo, 33, of South Burlington, near the intersection of Spear Street and U.S. 2.

Lewis has an extensive criminal record that includes convictions for attempting to elude police, reckless or grossly negligent operation of a vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and escape from furlough, according to records at Vermont District Court in Burlington.

He has one pending case and 23 previous charges. The current charge is felony aggravated domestic assault. Court records show Lewis was arrested in April, then posted a $1,000 bail bond July 28 and was released. His most recent court hearing was Sept. 12.
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There were seven occupants in the fleeing vehicle, including Lewis, Laframboise and Schumann. The others were:
= Jesse Beshaw, 21, of Burlington
= Kyra Conger, 18, of Burlington
= Rachael Fiducia, 17, of Colchester
= Abaigeal Lundy, 18, of Burlington

The only update police have on medical conditions is that Fiducia has been released from the hospital. Hospital spokeman Mike Noble said Beshaw also has been discharged, but citing patient confidentiality laws, Noble declined to release information any other person involved in the crash.

The Burlington Police Department is conducting the crash investigation, as is standard practice for any crash that involves an officer or a pursuit that results in a crash. There is evidence that alcohol and speed were factors.

Police continue to follow leads that indicate that the fleeing vehicle was just leaving an underage drinking party on Pinnacle Drive in South Burlington. A news release by South Burlington Police Chief Trevor Whipple said interviews have led police to a specific residence where it is alleged that a juvenile male, not involved in the crash, broke in to a relative's home where an underage drinking party took place.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information is encouraged to contact the South Burlington Police at 846-4111 or Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers at 864-6666.