Woman Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver NR09212jl

Los Angeles:  On May 2, 2009, an allegedly drunk driver crashed into a vehicle on Fairfax Avenue near Beverly Boulevard.  The driver, Crispino Culson Brion, 45, was suspected of being intoxicated.  The crash killed Cecilia Monjaras, 30, who was the passenger of the vehicle that was hit.

At around 4:30 a.m., Monjaras’s husband was driving southbound on Fairfax Avenue in a 1996 Dodge Caravan with their 11-year-old son when Brion’s 2005 Toyota Prius crashed into them.  Brion was speeding westbound on Beverly Boulevard and apparently ran a red light, investigators said.  

Monjaras suffered severe injuries and died at the scene.  Her husband was taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he was treated for back injuries and their 11-year-old son escaped injury.  

Brion was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.  He is being held in lieu $100,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call West Traffic Division detectives at 213-473-0227.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.