Calif. woman accused of fatally striking man who she believed was trying to run over cat
09/28/2022 4:13 pm PDT
CYPRESS, Calif. (TCD) -- A 20-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly using her car to fatally strike a man who she believed was trying to run over a cat.
According to a news release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, on Sunday, Sept. 25, at approximately 8:23 p.m., Hannah Esser got out of her car and confronted the victim, later identified as Luis Anthony Victor, on the 9700 block of Graham Street. She reportedly recorded the interaction and thought he was going to try to hit the cat in the middle of the street.
Victor allegedly got out of his car, and Esser entered her vehicle, continued arguing with Victor, and then drove off. The D.A.’s Office said Esser turned around and drove toward Victor before making a U-turn and allegedly intentionally driving into Victor.
Victor reportedly flew up onto the hood and windshield of the car and landed on the street.
Cypress Police Department officers responded to the scene and found the victim lying in the roadway, the Cypress Police Department announced. Victor was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
The D.A.’s Office said Esser was charged with one felony count of murder and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted. Her arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 13, and she remains held on $1 million bail.
In a statement, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said, "This action showed a complete disregard for human life."
Spitzer continued, "The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will ensure that this random act of violence targeting a stranger will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
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