Jose Luis Chichipa, 43, of Mira Loma succumbed to a terminal illness about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, the San Bernardino County coroner’s office said.
Chichipa had suffered from a terminal liver disorder since his arrest. The condition, hepatic encephalopathy, left his body unable to filter toxins from his blood. The only cure was a transplant, which Chichipa had little chance of receiving.
He was charged with murder in connection with the March 2003 death of Seok Rhee, 55, of Walnut. Rhee, the owner of a Pomona liquor store, was carjacked as he dropped off his daughter at the airport.
Rhee became entangled in the seat belt of his Chevy Tahoe and was dragged to death as the vehicle sped away.
The trial was scheduled to begin earlier this month, but Judge Ingrid Uhler suspended criminal proceedings when it appeared Chichipa’s illness worsened.
Authorities said they will look into Chichipa’s death even though foul play is not suspected.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 5, 2006. Read the original PDF.