Hit-and-Run DUI Driver Hits Teen and Infant in Crosswalk, Infant Killed
Donna Marie Higgins
HAWTHORNE – Donna Marie Higgins’ (72) SUV struck two pedestrians in the crosswalk at 133rd and Hawthorne Boulevard on September 3, 2016 at 4:15 p.m. Witnesses immediately followed, blocked the roadway with their vehicles to prevent her escape, and called police.
Hawthorne PD Officers quickly responded to the ‘Vehicle versus Pedestrian’ call to administer CPR to Liam Marcus Kowal (15-months) in his stroller, who was pulseless, not breathing, and still in his stroller.
The crime scene (Mary Cummins)
Paramedics arrived, continued CPR, and assisted his aunt (15) who had sustained leg injuries. L. A. County Fire rescue units arrived on-scene to continue CPR and transport both victims to Harbor UCLA Medical Center.
Hawthorne PD Traffic Bureau investigators determined that Higgins was driving while intoxicated, placed under arrest, and booked into Hawthorne jail with a $100,000 bail for for felonies hit and run and drunk driving.
“Surgeons at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit stabilized the child,” reported Hawthorne Traffic Bureau Commander Lt. Ti Goetz. “Unfortunately, medical tests and scans indicated the child show no signs of brain activity and doctors determined the child did not have any chances of recovery,” Goetz said. The child’s family decided to remove the boy off life support on Sunday.
Liam’s father, Marcus Kowal, Mixed Martial Arts fighter and MMA commentator, is CEO of a Venice training facility. Kowal announced Monday that he and his wife decided to donate their son’s organs, “so that his little heart can make another child live.”
Further charges – possibly vehicular manslaughter – will bring the L. A. District Attorney’s involvement to the ongoing investigation, which may take weeks.
Hawthorne PD Watch Commander Sergeant Chris Port told CrimeVoice, “We try and educate the public about signs and traffic laws, but it is up to people’s integrity. People need to stop after hitting someone.”
NOTE – a vehicular manslaughter charge was indeed added. Higgins posted bail and was released.
