A 24-year-old woman turned herself in to Long Beach police this week following two fatal collisions that occurred months apart, authorities said.
Ahkeyajahnique Owens was wanted by police after she allegedly hit a cyclist with her car in downtown Long Beach in October, according to police. The victim, identified as Raúl Agustín Gallopa, 35, died from his injuries.
Owens was booked into jail Wednesday and charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. Owens pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
A relative of Owens declined to comment when contacted by The Times.
Owens was initially arrested on suspicion of reckless driving on Oct. 6, but was later released, police investigators said.
This week, they also named Owens as a suspect in a hit-and-run collision in the same area that killed two people and injured three others on Sunday.
Traffic investigators said forensic evidence and video footage helped identify Owens as the suspect. Police did not say when they issued the warrant for Owens' arrest.
The latest collision occurred shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Sixth Street. Investigators alleged Owens was traveling east on Sixth Street and ran a red light before crashing into a gray 2022 Nissan Altima traveling south on Atlantic Avenue. His 2021 BMW 330i then collided with a black 2017 Kia Soul that was heading north, according to authorities.
Police said two young men were ejected from the Nissan and were pronounced dead at the scene by fire paramedics. Police identified them as Gilberto Lopez, 21, of Midway City, and Bobbi Smith, 24, of Buena Park.
Three other people were injured in the accident, including the driver of the Kia. Investigators allege Owens fled before police officers arrived.
Investigators said speed may have played a role in both crashes in which Owens is suspected of being involved.
Police said Gallopa was legally riding his bicycle east on Fourth Street when he was hit near Bonito Avenue. Gallopa was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries on October 20.
The Long Beach Police Department said a separate case related to the Jan. 4 collision will be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the families of Smith and Lopez turned to GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses.
Alejandra López wrote that her family was deeply saddened by the death of her brother.
“Our family is living our worst nightmare, he was the youngest of three, he left behind his two older sisters and his parents,” he wrote. “They love him dearly. He was so full of life. His smile and laugh were so genuine.”
Monique Jackson wrote on the site that her cousin's death was a devastating loss for the family.
“Bobbi was more than just a cousin. She was a daughter, a friend and a light in many people's lives. She had a kind heart, a generous spirit and a way of making people feel seen and valued,” Jackson wrote. “Whether it was through her laughter, her compassion or simply showing up when someone needed her, Bobbi made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.”
