Pedestrian killed near USC
A Palmdale man was among two arrested in connection with the street-racing death of a woman who was hit by a car as she crossed a street near a recording studio east of USC in July.
Anna Michelle Solis, 20, was injured about 10:20 p.m. on July 21 near South Hill and West 33rd streets, and she died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives announced the arrests at an Aug. 10 news conference at LAPD headquarters.
According to police, Solis “was crossing an unmarked crosswalk…when the driver of a black Jaguar collided with the victim at a high rate of speed.”
“At the time of the traffic collision, the Jaguar was engaged in street racing with a black Dodge Challenger,” police said. “Both drivers fled northbound on Hill Street without rendering aid.”
Javorrie Murphy, 25, of Palmdale was arrested on Aug. 3, and Devin Wagner, 19, of Los Angeles, was arrested on Aug. 4, police said. They were booked on suspicion of murder, and each was held on $2 million bail, police said.
According to police, the suspects–Murphy driving the Jaguar and Wagner driving the Dodge–were racing through the area when the Jaguar hit Solis as she was crossing the street. Both vehicles have been recovered and impounded for evidence.
On Aug. 7, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges on Murphy and Wagner, police said. Also, a charge of felony hit-and-run was filed against Murphy, police said.
A GoFundMe account established for Solis’ family had raised more than $24,000 as of Thursday morning. It may be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-anna-the-burial-she-wanted.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Central Traffic Division detectives at (213) 833-3713, or (877) LAPD-247. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS, or use the website, www.lacrimestoppers.org.
