Winnetka, CA (November 26, 2024) Cristina David, 46, was tragically killed when a man driving a stolen vehicle crashed into her car in Winnetka. Three other people were injured in what became a four-vehicle collision.
City News Service reported that the crash took place on Saturday at Mason Avenue and Saticoy Street around 1:30 p.m.
Officers began to pursue the stolen car when they realized the license plate didn’t match its description only about a minute before the crash occurred. The motorist started speeding up when he saw the police, then quickly crashed into Cristina David’s Tesla, causing her to veer into two other vehicles.
The man responsible was arrested and booked for murder after trying to flee the scene. The three injured victims were not identified, but CBS reported that their injuries were minor.
The Accident News Now Team offers our deepest sympathies to all who were close to Cristina David. No one should have to go through such a terrible tragedy like this, and we know this is a very difficult time. If you or a loved one has been affected by this crash, we have a team of legal experts ready to help you anytime, day or night. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.
Have you or a loved one been impacted by this event? Our team specializes in car accidents and we are here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.
Liability in a Winnetka Car Accident
In this case, the motorist has been booked for murder after the tragic killing of the victim. In addition to this, stealing a car carries serious consequences in the state of California. California Vehicle Code Section 10851 addresses the legal repercussions of stealing a vehicle. It reads:
“Any person who drives or takes a vehicle not his or her own, without the consent of the owner thereof, and with intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner thereof of his or her title to or possession of the vehicle, whether with or without intent to steal the vehicle, or any person who is a party or an accessory to or an accomplice in the driving or unauthorized taking or stealing, is guilty of a public offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both the fine and imprisonment.”
Stealing a vehicle is never a good idea, and speeding away from police makes the situation even worse. The motorist who committed these crimes will face serious legal consequences.