The Santa Monica Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed two pedestrians and seriously injured two others on Oct. 24 in the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard.
Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey, 38, was taken into custody in Chicago after fleeing California in the days following the crash, police announced. He has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving.
The victims killed in the collision were identified as Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy, both 61 years old.
Following the collision, the police department's Major Accident Response Team assumed the lead on the investigation. Given the seriousness of the incident and the suspect's efforts to evade arrest, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were brought in to assist.
Through extensive investigative work, detectives identified Kirksey as the responsible driver. Evidence revealed that the involved vehicle had been rented through an online platform by a woman who knew Kirksey.
The investigation also revealed that the person who rented the vehicle traveled to the scene after the collision, sought information about what occurred, and later assisted the suspect in leaving the state. The extent of that individual's involvement remains under investigation and will be evaluated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
These findings supported the issuance of search warrants, during which detectives recovered additional evidence — including contact information and electronic records — that helped determine Kirksey's location.
Working with law enforcement partners in the Midwest, Santa Monica police detectives tracked Kirksey to Chicago. With the assistance of the Chicago Police Department, he was taken into custody at or near a transit center as he appeared to be attempting to flee further. Kirksey has since been extradited from Illinois and is currently in the custody of the Santa Monica Police Department.
"This case represents the tireless work and collaboration of our investigators," said Interim Chief Darrick Jacob. "From the first response on Wilshire to the arrest of Chicago, more than 2000 miles away, their determination and professionalism made today’s announcement possible. While nothing can undo the pain and tragedy these arrests are an important step towards justice for victims, their family and the community.
"This, by the way, is an amazing, fantastic investigation done on the spur of the moment. You were able to track someone who fled the scene of the crime, not just around California, but outside of California, ultimately to Chicago, where they worked with the Chicago Police Department, which also deserves our thanks to bring this particular suspect to justice," said said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman
"We are united with law enforcement in seeking justice for Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy, who were 61 years old when they were tragically killed simply exiting a restaurant, and the two other victims who suffered critical injuries. I'm thankful to the Santa Monica Police Department for their thorough work on this ongoing investigation and our prosecutors who worked around the clock with investigators to ensure the defendant would be arrested and face his day in court. We have a message for criminals: You will not escape the law. Our office will continue to advocate for the victims as the case progresses through the criminal justice system."
Mayor Lana Negrete said the city is committed to ensuring safety.
"While no arrest or legal action can ever undo the loss or bring back those who have lost I'm so grateful that accountability is being pursued and that this individual will be brought to justice," she said. "I want to sincerely thank our Santa Monica Police Department and our regional law enforcement partners for all their tireless work, professionalism and their commitment to smooth this case. As a city, we stand united in support of the victims families and our broader community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability and healing and to do everything in our power to ensure that the safety of all."
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Lantz Lewis at (310) 458-2201 ext. 5311, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8427.