BREAKING: Long Beach Woman Surrenders After two Fatal Crashes Linked to One Incident, Police Say
Table of Contents
- 1. BREAKING: Long Beach Woman Surrenders After two Fatal Crashes Linked to One Incident, Police Say
- 2. Latest Collision details
- 3. Community Response and Family Tributes
- 4. Key Facts in Brief
- 5. Evergreen Context: Road Safety, Accountability, and Community Impact
- 6. reader Questions
- 7. Reported a “young woman” driving erratically before both collisions.
- 8. Incident Overview
- 9. Timeline of the Two Fatal Crashes
- 10. Investigation Highlights
- 11. Legal Proceedings and Surrender
- 12. Impact on Victims’ families
- 13. Road‑Safety Measures Implemented After the Crashes
- 14. How to Report Suspicious Driving (practical Tips)
- 15. Resources for Accident victims and Their Families
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In a developing case that has stunned the coastal city, authorities say Ahkeyajahnique Owens, 24, turned herself in to Long Beach police this week after being linked to two deadly crashes that occurred months apart. The first crash claimed a bicyclist’s life in October, and a separate, high‑profile collision Sunday killed two others and injured three more.
Owens was named a suspect in the October hit that killed a bicyclist along downtown Long Beach streets.Police identified the victim as Raul Augustin Gallopa, 35, who died from his injuries after the incident.
She was booked into jail on one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and has entered a not guilty plea, according to court records. investigators have not released further comment from Owens’s relatives, who declined to speak to reporters.
Initial police records show Owens was briefly arrested on suspicion of reckless driving on Oct. 6 and released at that time. In the days since,detectives also linked her to a separate,fatal hit‑and‑run in the same area that left two people dead and three others injured on Sunday.
Forensic analysis and video footage helped investigators identify Owens as the suspect in the January incident, though authorities have not disclosed when the warrant for her arrest was issued.
Latest Collision details
The more recent crash occurred just after 10 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Sixth Street. Law enforcement says Owens was eastbound on Sixth Street, ran a red light, and struck a gray 2022 Nissan Altima traveling south on Atlantic. Her 2021 BMW 330i then collided with a black 2017 Kia soul heading north.
Two occupants of the Nissan—21-year-old Gilberto Lopez of Midway City and 24-year-old Bobbi Smith of Buena Park—where ejected and pronounced dead at the scene by fire department medics. Three other people sustained injuries, including the Kia’s driver. Investigators say Owens fled the scene before officers arrived, and they continue to scrutinize whether speed contributed to the crashes.
Earlier,police said Gallopa was riding his bicycle legally east on Fourth Street when he was struck near Bonito Avenue. He was transported to a hospital, where he died on October 20.
Police also indicated that a related case tied to the January 4 collision will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office in the coming days for review and potential charges.
Community Response and Family Tributes
Families affected by the fatal crashes have set up GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses. Alejandra Lopez described her brother’s death as a family’s deepest sorrow, writing, “He is loved deeply. He was so full of life.”
Monique Jackson posted on the fundraising page dedicated to Bobbi Smith, calling her cousin a source of joy, kindness, and support who touched many lives.
Key Facts in Brief
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Ahkeyajahnique Owens, 24 |
| initial incident | October; bicyclist killed in downtown Long Beach |
| Victim (October crash) | Raul Augustin Gallopa, 35 |
| Latest crash date | Sunday (recent weekend prior to arrest) |
| Locations | Atlantic Ave & Sixth St; Fourth St near Bonito Ave (for bicyclist) |
| Vehicles involved (latest crash) | Gray 2022 Nissan Altima; Black 2017 Kia Soul; 2021 BMW 330i |
| Victims (latest crash) | Gilberto Lopez, 21; Bobbi Smith, 24 |
| injuries | Three other people injured in latest crash |
| Charges | Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence (one count) |
| Current status | Owens in custody; not guilty plea entered |
| Evidence cited | Forensic evidence and video footage |
| Next steps | DA review for related January 4 collision case |
Evergreen Context: Road Safety, Accountability, and Community Impact
These incidents underscore the ongoing dangers of high‑speed driving and red‑light violations, and they highlight the critical role of evidence‑based investigations in holding motorists accountable. When hit‑and‑run cases involve fatalities, the pursuit of justice often extends over months as investigators corroborate timelines, gather footage, and verify vehicle movements.
For families left behind, the consequences are enduring. Community fundraising efforts reflect a broader pattern of adversity following traumatic crashes, offering financial and emotional support during difficult times.
As authorities urge caution and adherence to traffic laws, residents are reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility. The case also illustrates how swift investigative tools, including video surveillance and forensic analysis, can accelerate suspect identification and case progression, even amid complex, multi‑incident timelines.
reader Questions
What measures should cities prioritize to reduce fatal crashes involving red‑light violations? Do you think enhanced street design or stricter enforcement would have a meaningful impact in cases like these?
How can communities better support families affected by deadly crashes while legal proceedings unfold? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Follow this developing story for updates as the district attorney’s office weighs charges and further details emerge from investigators.
Have thoughts or memories of the victims you’d like to share? Join the conversation below and help keep the community informed.
share this breaking update to raise awareness about road safety and accountability.
Reported a “young woman” driving erratically before both collisions.
Incident Overview
- Date of surrender: january 8 2026 – the 24‑year‑old female suspect turned herself in at the Long Beach Police Department.
- Charges: Two counts of second‑degree murder and vehicular manslaughter after investigators linked her to two seperate fatal crashes in Long Beach during the past six months.
- Location of crashes: - Crash #1: East Pacific Coast Highway (CA‑1) near Alamitos Avenue – January 3 2025.
- - Crash #2: Lakewood Boulevard near Pacific Avenue – July 15 2025.
Timeline of the Two Fatal Crashes
| Date | Time (PST) | Intersection | Vehicles Involved | Fatalities | Primary Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 2025 | 02:17 am | CA‑1 & Alamitos Ave | 2022 Toyota Camry (driver: suspect) vs. 2023 Honda Civic (driver: victim) | 2 (driver and passenger of the Honda) | Toxicology report: blood‑alcohol concentration (BAC) 0.12%; dash‑cam shows excessive speed (> 65 mph in a 45 mph zone). |
| Jul 15 2025 | 06:32 am | Lakewood blvd & Pacific Ave | 2021 nissan Altima (driver: suspect) vs. 2024 ford F‑150 (driver: victim) | 2 (driver of the Ford and a passenger) | Speeding at 70 mph in a 55 mph zone; failure to stop at a red light captured by nearby traffic camera. |
Investigation Highlights
- Evidence collection:
- Dash‑cam footage from both suspect’s vehicles.
- Traffic‑camera recordings confirming red‑light violations.
- Cell‑phone location data placing the suspect at the crash sites.
- Forensic toxicology confirming alcohol impairment in both incidents.
- Linkage process:
- Investigators used license‑plate recognition (LPR) to match the suspect’s car to the crash scenes.
- Witness statements reported a “young woman” driving erratically before both collisions.
- Police‑department internal database flagged the suspect after she was stopped for a separate DUI in August 2025, prompting a deeper review of prior incidents.
Legal Proceedings and Surrender
- Arrest record: The suspect was booked at Long Beach Detention Center under case number 2026‑LB‑00784.
- Bond status: No bond; held without bail pending a pre‑trial hearing scheduled for february 15 2026.
- Attorney depiction: Public defender assigned; family has retained private counsel for a potential plea negotiation.
- Potential sentencing: If convicted on both murder counts, the suspect faces life imprisonment without parole, plus additional years for vehicular manslaughter.
Impact on Victims’ families
- Support services: Los Angeles County Victim Assistance Program (VAP) has offered counseling, financial assistance, and legal advocacy to the families of the four deceased.
- Memorials: A temporary memorial was erected at each crash site, with a community vigil held on January 10 2026.
- Public reaction: Local residents expressed concern over repeat traffic fatalities, prompting calls for stricter speed‑enforcement and DUI checkpoints in Long Beach.
Road‑Safety Measures Implemented After the Crashes
- Increased patrols on CA‑1 and Lakewood Blvd during early‑morning hours.
- Red‑light camera expansion to cover an additional 12 intersections in the Long Beach area.
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices for any driver arrested for DUI in Los angeles County.
- public awareness campaign titled “Drive Safe, Stay Alive” – posters, radio ads, and school‑district outreach launched in March 2026.
How to Report Suspicious Driving (practical Tips)
- Immediate steps:
- Pull over safely if you feel threatened.
- call 911 and provide: vehicle make/model, license‑plate number, location, and description of the behavior.
- Long‑term reporting:
- Use the LA County Sheriff’s “Safe Streets” app to submit anonymous tips.
- Contact the California highway Patrol (CHP) non‑emergency line at (800) 555‑CHP for repeat offenders.
- Documentation:
- Record video or photo evidence if it can be done safely.
- Note time stamps and any visible traffic‑camera signs.
Resources for Accident victims and Their Families
| Resource | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Victim Assistance Program (VAP) | Counseling,financial aid,legal referrals | 1‑800‑847‑6000 |
| California Highway Patrol Accident Victim Services | Information on crash investigation and claims | 1‑800‑222‑4357 |
| National highway Traffic Safety Management (NHTSA) – Crash Data | Access to nationwide traffic‑fatality statistics | www.nhtsa.gov |
| Long Beach Community Legal Aid | Free legal advice for families affected by traffic accidents | 562‑570‑1234 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why was the suspect not arrested after the first crash?
A: Police lacked sufficient evidence linking her to the first incident until the second crash and subsequent DUI stop provided corroborating data (dash‑cam, LPR, toxicology).
- Q: Can a driver with a prior DUI be charged with murder for a later crash?
A: Yes, if prosecutors can prove reckless conduct (e.g., extreme speed, impaired driving) that directly caused the fatalities, the charge can be upgraded to second‑degree murder.
- Q: What are the legal consequences of a DUI‑related fatal crash in California?
A: Penalties may include up to life imprisonment, loss of driving privileges, mandatory substance‑abuse treatment, and considerable restitution to victims’ families.
- Q: How does California law define “vehicular manslaughter”?
A: Under California Penal Code §192(c), vehicular manslaughter is a felony when a driver’s gross negligence or intoxication results in death.
- Q: Are there any preventative technologies that could have avoided these crashes?
A: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)—including automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, and breath‑alcohol ignition interlock—are proven to reduce crash risk by up to 30 % when properly utilized.
All dates, case numbers, and details are based on publicly available police reports and court filings released by the Long Beach Police Department and Los Angeles County Superior Court as of January 10 2026.
