SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Police Department is still searching for Cierra Denae Whitaker, 24, accused of causing a deadly high-speed crash in South Los Angeles and fleeing the scene without helping the victim.
The deadly crash in South Los Angeles happened on the night of July 5 at the intersection of 91st Street and Figueroa Street, in the Vermont Vista neighborhood. Authorities say Whitaker was behind the wheel of a Porsche sedan when she ran a red light and slammed into another vehicle at nearly 100 mph.
The impact was catastrophic. The victim, Emerson González Escobar, 25, was trapped inside his crushed car. Dozens of bystanders tried to pull him out, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Security cameras and cell phone footage captured Whitaker and two female passengers stepping out of the Porsche, grabbing belongings from the trunk, and fleeing on foot—showing no concern for the victim. Witnesses also reported that Whitaker tried to snatch a phone from someone recording her.
“It was an act of absolute indifference. Emerson lost his life instantly and no one even checked if he was alive,” said LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno during a press conference.
Investigators confirmed the Porsche did not belong to Whitaker. She remains at large, and authorities have announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to her arrest. Detectives believe she may be hiding in Orange County or Las Vegas.
For González’s family, the tragedy has been unbearable, made worse by the fact that those responsible are still free. “It’s devastating for them to know the suspects remain out there,” Moreno added.
Authorities have not determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
Anyone with information about Cierra Denae Whitaker’s whereabouts is urged to contact the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
