Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy died in a fatal Santa Monica car crash.
The tragic death of Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy occurred in a fatal Santa Monica car crash.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended following a deadly accident on Wilshire Boulevard, which authorities are investigating as a hit-and-run. Initial reports from the Santa Monica Police Department indicated that the incident, initially reported to authorities on October 24, took place in the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard. The collision resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two others requiring extensive medical treatment. While the identities of those killed have been publicly identified, the names of the injured remain undisclosed.
Following the crash, specialized teams from the police department took charge of the investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the event and the suspect’s attempts to avoid responsibility. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) were subsequently assigned to the case. After conducting a thorough probe, the officers identified 38-year-old Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey as the driver involved in the incident.
Kirksey faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run with injury, and one count of reckless driving. Further examination of the evidence uncovered during the investigation revealed that the vehicle used in the accident was rented through an online service, and Kirksey deliberately fled the scene to evade capture. He departed the state shortly after the collision.
Investigators discovered that an individual rented the vehicle and arrived at the scene afterward, inquiring about the incident and later aiding Kirksey in leaving the state. The role of this person is currently under review by the District Attorney’s Office.
This information led to the issuance of search warrants, during which detectives gathered additional data, including digital records and personal contact details, to help track down the suspect. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies in another state, the Santa Monica Police Department managed to locate Kirksey in Illinois. With assistance from local authorities, he was taken into custody while trying to escape.
Kirksey has been transferred back to Santa Monica and is being held by local police. The interim chief expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, highlighting their commitment to justice for the victims. Similarly, the District Attorney emphasized the importance of holding the suspect accountable and thanked the involved departments for their diligent work.
For anyone with information regarding this case, Santa Monica police are encouraging the public to contact the specified investigators or command center.
