OCEANSIDE, CA (July 28, 2022) – Sean Richter, 34, of Oceanside, has been arrested for allegedly fleeing after the SUV he was driving struck and killed Cecilia Shu, 68, in Oceanside, authorities reported today.
Richter was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the death last month of Cecilia Shu, according to police.
Shu, also an Oceanside resident, was walking on a sidewalk alongside Benet Road near Leepish Drive shortly before 8:30 a.m. June 5 when an eastbound Honda HR-V veered off the roadway and struck her.
The motorist then made a U-turn and fled, leaving Shu lying mortally injured on the roadside, where she died.
Detectives identified Richter as the alleged hit-and-run driver following “weeks of canvassing the neighborhood surrounding the accident
site” and eventually tracking down his vehicle at an auto repair business, Oceanside police spokeswoman Jennifer Atenza said.
Richter was booked on suspicion of felony gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death.
[via City News Now]
Liability In Oceanside Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Cecilia Shu’s Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cecilia Shu. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.