UPDATE: Cierra Danae Whitaker, the 24-year-old driver wanted for a deadly hit-and-run in South Los Angeles, has been arrested in Atlanta, Georgia. Authorities confirmed her capture on the same day she attempted to evade police by hiding in an attic.
The incident, which occurred on July 5, 2023, resulted in the tragic death of 25-year-old Emerson Noel Escobar Gonzalez. Eyewitnesses reported that Whitaker’s Porsche Panamera was traveling at speeds between 90 to 100 mph on Figueroa Street, where the speed limit is just 35 mph. The vehicle T-boned Gonzalez’s car as he was making a left turn, killing him instantly.
In a news conference, LAPD South Traffic Detective Ryan Moren detailed the extensive efforts to locate Whitaker. After fleeing the scene, she was sighted in various locations, including Las Vegas. “Working with the FBI and local authorities, we narrowed her whereabouts to a specific neighborhood in Atlanta,” said Moren.
Surveillance footage from the crash site showed multiple women exiting the Porsche post-collision, rummaging through the car, and leaving the scene without any concern for Gonzalez. “It’s heart-wrenching to see,” Moren stated. “They walked away as if nothing had happened, despite the tragedy that unfolded.”
Following the incident, LAPD detectives released images of Whitaker and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to her capture. The quick collaboration between local and federal agencies ultimately led to her arrest.
As she awaits extradition back to California, the community is grappling with the loss of Gonzalez and the circumstances surrounding his death. The case underscores the urgent need for accountability in hit-and-run incidents, as families seek justice for victims.
Next, authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the legal proceedings unfold. Public reaction remains fervent, with many calling for stricter penalties for reckless driving.
Stay tuned as this story develops and impacts continue to be felt across the region.
