Traffic Collision Claims Two Lives

Los Angeles – On Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at approximately 7:00 A.M., a fatal traffic collision occurred on Washington Boulevard just west of West Boulevard. A 1990 BMW 325I convertible was eastbound Washington Boulevard at a high rate of speed, estimated by several witnesses, to be 65-90 mph.

The vehicle proceeded past Vineyard Avenue crossing over the center line and into the westbound lanes of Washington Boulevard. The vehicle became airborne, crossed Pickford Street and collided with a large tree near the corner of Washington Boulevard and West Boulevard. The vehicle overturned and came to rest upside down.

There were three occupants in the vehicle. Mr. Jeffrey West, a 39-year-old resident of Los Angeles and husband to the vehicle owner, was believed to be the front passenger. He sustained massive trauma to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. A second passenger, which appears to have been occupying the rear seat, sustained massive trauma to her body and was also pronounced dead at the scene. This victim will be identified at a later date by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The third occupant, a female in her thirties, and believed to be the driver, was partially ejected, sustaining massive facial trauma. She was treated at the scene by the paramedics and transported to Cedar Sinai Medical Center. She was admitted in serious condition and her identity is unknown at this time.

The preliminary investigation and interview of eyewitnesses revealed the possibility of an argument or dispute occurred in the vehicle, as it was eastbound on Washington Boulevard. This incident is being investigated as a traffic collision at this time and the reason for the erratic driving has not been determined. The on scene investigation was conducted by West Traffic Division. Detective Mike Fischer, West Traffic Division Detective Section is assigned to the follow up investigation.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
December 20, 2000