(Koreatown, California) Family and Friends held a Candlelight Vigil for 33-year old woman, Ittai Arenas Rodriguez, and her two children who were killed in a fatal vehicle crash on Friday.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the vehicle crash occurred at 12:35 a.m. on Friday at the intersection of Eighth Street and Ardmore Avenue.
According to ABC7, Rodriguez was delivering food when a SUV struck her vehicle, leading it careening onto a sidewalk and a pole. Allegedly, the SUV vehicle was speeding.
Her relatives made statements to ABC7 that Rodriguez had just finished culinary school with two job offers. She was also driving in her new vehicle she had just purchased.
Allegedly, the driver of the SUV was driving under the influence.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner reported that Rodriguez died from traumatic brain injury at the intersection.
Perspective on Eighth Street and Ardmore Avenue
Because the vehicle was allegedly speeding, investigators may review the California Code, VEH 22350. This code discusses that no one should drive a vehicle on a highway with an increase of speed than is reasonable or prudent due in regards to the weather, visibility, traffic on, surface and width of the highway, and at a speed that can endanger others safety or property.
Investigators may also review Penal Code, 192 in regards to the SUV driver that killed Ittai Arenas Rodriguez. The driver may have violated 192 (1). This law states that unless proved in subdivision (a) of Section 191.5, driving a vehicle in an unlawful act that’s not amounting to felony with gross negligence or driving a vehicle in an lawful act not amounting to felony with gross negligence that might cause death in an unlawful manner with gross negligence.
The driver was allegedly driving under the influence so investigators may review California Code, VEH 23152 (a). This code discusses that it is unlawful for a person to drive under the influence of any alcohol beverage. If the driver drove with 0.08 percent or more of alcohol in his or her blood, then they also violated (b) of this code. This law states that it is unlawful to drive with a 0.08 % or, by weight, of alcohol in blood. This may be a factor in the death of the 33-year old woman and her two children.
Advice for the Family
If you have lost a loved one in this incident, staying in contact with the Los Angeles Police Department can help you receive more information from the investigation. You can request official reports when they become available to better understand the circumstances.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional experienced in car accident cases. They can help explain your options and guide you through next steps. In addition, seeking support from family, friends, or grief counseling services can provide comfort during this difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
