The driver of a Nissan GTR involved in a deadly street racing accident in Chatsworth was arrested today for his part in the February 26th incident. The driver has been identified as Irael "Izzy" Valenzuela, 38, of Los Angeles and was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder and one count of engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway causing a concussion.
Valenzuela was arrested thanks to tips from the public and is alleged to have been the driver who was racing against Henry Michael Gevorgyan, who police say was behind the wheel of the Mustang that lost control killing two and injuring a third spectator. Police say that they also have physical evidence in the case against Valenzuela, but that has not been released yet.
Gevorgyan was booked on suspicion of murder Feb. 28, however, his lawyer disputes the claim that he was the driver of the Ford Mustang saying that video shows her client was flagging the race not driving. Both drivers fled the scene of the accident.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has yet to clarify how they are going to charge both men with murder and have requested bail in the amount of 2 million dollars each. If convicted, both face a maximum possible sentence of 33 years to life in state prison.
This incident has sparked a demand for increased enforcement and penalties for street racing, read about that HERE
UPDATE:TMZ is reporting that the driver of the Nissan GTR who was arrested today had appeared on the Discovery channel show "Street Outlaws", thus confirming the NHRA's worst fears. TMZ spoke to Valenzuela the day after the fatal street race on a tip he might have been involved, though he claimed he'd been at his auto shop that night and wasn't racing.
Official Release from the L.A. County District Attorney's Office:
Media Contact:
Ricardo Santiago
Public Information Officer
213-974-3525
RSantiago@da.lacounty.gov
Twitter: @LADAOffice
March 5, 2015
Second Man Charged with Murder
in Chatsworth Street Race Crash
killed when a car crashed during an illegal street race, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Irael Valenzuela (dob 3/29/76) faces two counts of murder and one count of engaging in a motor
vehicle speed contest on a highway causing a concussion in case PA083096. Arraignment is scheduled this afternoon in Department S of the Los Angeles County Superior Court,San Fernando Branch.
Henry Michael Gevorgyan, 21, was charged on March 3 in the same case with two counts of murder and one count of engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway causing a concussion.
Valenzuela and Gevorgyan allegedly helped promote and organize an illegal street race in Chatsworth on Feb. 26, prosecutors said. During the race, a car spun out of control and crashed into a crowd, killing Eric Siguenza, 26, and Wilson Thomas Wong, 50, and injuring a third man, prosecutors added.
Bail for Valenzuela is requested at more than $2 million. If convicted as charged, both defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 33 years to life in state prison. Bail for Gevorgyan was set at more than $2 million and he is due back in Department S on March 11. The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Division.
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N E W S R E L E A S E
About the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of crime and enhancing public safety. Last year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office prosecuted more than 71,000 felony defendants and nearly 112,000 misdemeanor defendants.
Photo Via ABC7
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