LOS ANGELES, CA (August 29, 2022) – Matthew Sutton, the 20-year-old driver of a Cadillac who allegedly slammed into another vehicle while trying to evade police, killing a man and a woman in South Los Angeles, is due on court today to face a slew of potential criminal charges including manslaughter.
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Matthew Sutton of Los Angeles was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, two counts of fleeing a police officer’s motor vehicle causing death and one count of hit and run driving resulting in injury to another person, police said.
Sutton, who is being held on $550,000 bail, also had an outstanding burglary warrant for $200,000, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victims in the Aug. 19 collision were identified as Jamarae Keyes, 38, who died from blunt force traumatic injuries and 35-year-old Downey resident Janisha Harris, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said. Keyes’ city of residence was not immediately available.
An autopsy on Harris was pending, the coroner’s office said.
Sutton was driving a Cadillac near Manchester Avenue and Main Street at around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19 when officers tried to stop him for allegedly speeding, LAPD Officer Jeff Lee said. They made attempts to stop the Cadillac by intermittently activating their emergency lights and siren independently.
Shortly after Matthew Sutton’s Cadillac turned west onto Manchester Avenue from Main Street, the officers activated their emergency lights and siren for approximately 15 seconds, the LAPD said. The Cadillac then accelerated away from the officers, who turned off the lights and siren, indicating they would no longer be attempting to stop the vehicle, police said.
Moments later, the Cadillac ran a red light and collided with a 2014 BMW 535i that was going southbound on Broadway, resulting in the deaths of Keyes and Harris. A truck and another vehicle were damaged in the crash, but no one was injured in those vehicles, police said.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
After the collision, Sutton allegedly exited through the driver’s side door and ran westbound on Manchester. He was arrested along with three other occupants of the Cadillac.
Police said it was later determined that all four suspects were implicated in a string of burglaries in the Camarillo and Moorpark areas of Ventura County. The LAPD is working with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in pursuing burglary charges against all four.
The other three men’s names were not immediately available.
The LAPD added that the department is preparing a critical incident video of the pursuit, “given the gravity of this terrible incident as well as the family’s desire.”
[via City News Service]
Liability In Los Angeles Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Matthew Sutton’s Manslaughter Charges
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Jamarae Keyes and Janisha Harris. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.