Passenger Dies in Traffic Collision

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, March 1, 2000

Chatsworth – On Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at approximately 12:01 a.m., Francis Miranda, 19 years of age, was westbound on Nordhoff Street east of Lurline Avenue. Miranda lost control of his vehicle and collided with the north curb of Nordhoff Street. Miranda’s vehicle continued in a northwest direction where it collided with a lamp standard, a chain link fence and a tree. Miranda’s vehicle then became engulfed in flames as a result of the collision. Miranda and his right front passenger, 20 year old Rommel Estrada escaped the vehicle and were later transported to a local hospital with complained of pain. Both were treated and released. Miranda’s right rear passenger, 20 year old Christopher Chin, was unable to escape the burning vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer’s preliminary investigation indicates the speed seemed to be the contributing factor in this collision.

Investigation is pending, and has been assigned to Detective Thomas Whetzel, Valley Traffic Detectives 818-756-8391.

For Release 2:00 pm PST
March 1 , 2000