Photo: Martinez slams into Chay
VAN NUYS – A 19-years-to-life state prison sentence awaits a woman who crashed into a motor scooter at high-speed, killing the driver who was stopped at a red light in North Hollywood. The Los Angeles District Attorney announced murder charges Wednesday for Jessica Yvette Martinez (dob 1/28/95) of North Hollywood.
“On June 6, 2019, around 5:25 a.m., a 2004 red Audi A4 was traveling southbound Vineland Avenue at a high rate of speed when it rear-ended a motorcycle stopped southbound Vineland Avenue and Vanowen Street waiting at the red light,” said LAPD.
Martinez’ car after impact
“The force of the collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected in a southwest direction and collide with the roadway. The red Audi continued southbound Vineland Avenue and collided with several parked vehicles along the west curb causing one of the parked vehicles to overturn before the Audi came to rest and caught on fire. The Audi driver walked away from the scene and was followed by citizens where she was subsequently detained.”
The 24-year-old Martinez was booked at Van Nuys Jail for 187(A) PC-Murder and held on $2 million bail for the death of motorcyclist Anthony Eduardo Chay (20) of Sun Valley.
Deputy District Attorney Casey Higgins of the DUI Training and Prosecution Section is assigned to case LA090666 filed on June 10th. Martinez was charged on June 12th, and faces one felony count each of murder and hit-and-run driving resulting in death.
The case remains under investigation by the LAPD Valley Traffic Division. Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Officer Takishita at 818-644-8116. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
LAPD reminds drivers that they must obey the rules of the road. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug. Driving under the influence, reckless driving carries serious consequences and will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles.
