Jose Miguel Meja charged with DUI murder in wreck that killed Rosaria Chavez
Winnetka, Calif. — According to the Los Angeles Police Valley Traffic Division on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at approximately 2:05 a.m., Jose Miguel Mejia, 28, a resident of Northridge, was driving a black 2016 Dodge Challenger Eastbound on Roscoe Boulevard.
Police say that the Challenger collided with a 2001 Subaru Impreza traveling eastbound in the number one lane and a 2013 Ford Escape traveling eastbound in the number two lane just west of Irondale Avenue. The impact caused the Subaru to spin out of control and it came to a stop in the opposing traffic lanes. The Ford Escape was forced into an easterly direction out of control as it collided with the curb, a street sign, a tree, and a power pole.
The Ford Escape was being driven by a sole female occupant who was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the traffic collision. She was Rosario Chavez, 42, of Northridge, said Lt. Larry Dietz of the coroner’s office.
The Subaru was being driven by a sole male occupant, 27 years old, a resident of Northridge. He sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, Mejia remains hospitalized with severe injuries and was ultimately arrested for the crime of 187(a)PC 2nd Degree Murder. Mejia had two male passengers in his vehicle at the time of the collision; one passenger is listed in critical condition and the other is in serious condition. They are both being treated at a local hospital.
Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Doug Larkin (818) 644-8115 Detective William Bustos at (818) 644-8021. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.