Woman surrenders after two Long Beach crashes leave three dead

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A 24-year-old woman has surrendered to authorities after being linked to two fatal crashes occurring just months apart, according to Long Beach police.

Ahkeyajahnique Owens turned herself in after investigators identified her as a suspect in a recent hit-and-run that killed two people and injured three others. Police say Owens allegedly ran a red light, causing a multi-vehicle pileup, and fled the scene before officers arrived.

The victims in that collision were identified as 21-year-old Gilberto Lopez and 24-year-old Bobbi Smith. Detectives used forensic evidence and surveillance video to identify Owens as the driver.

Owens was already wanted in connection with a fatal collision in October that killed cyclist Raul Augustin Gallopa, 35. She has pleaded not guilty to a charge of vehicular manslaughter in that case.

Investigators believe speed was a contributing factor in both deadly incidents.

The criminal proceedings against Ahkeyajahnique Owens have emerged as a significant test case for California’s judicial framework, raising urgent questions regarding the efficacy of the state’s pre-trial release protocols. At the center of the controversy is the suspect’s involvement in a second, more catastrophic collision while out on bail for a previous fatal accident—a timeline that is expected to intensify the public and political debate over bail reform for serious vehicular offenses.

The case underscores a critical tension in current policy: whether existing deterrents are sufficient to prevent high-risk motorists from reoffending while awaiting trial. As local officials and the public scrutinize the details, the focus is shifting toward whether more stringent judicial oversight is required for traffic-related felonies that result in loss of life.

From a prosecutorial perspective, the litigation is compounded by the necessity of managing two distinct criminal incidents, each requiring a separate burden of proof. Legal analysts note that the second incident, which involves allegations of fleeing the scene, carries the potential for significantly enhanced sentencing under California law. Furthermore, the reliance on digital and technological forensics to link the suspect to the crime highlights the increasing importance of modern investigative tools in resolving complex hit-and-run cases. For policymakers, the Owens case may serve as a catalyst for legislative review of how the justice system balances defendant rights with public safety in the context of repeat traffic fatalities.

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the hazards on the roads of Southern California, the cultural heart of the Vietnamese-American community. For those navigating the busy corridors of Little Saigon, traffic safety and the devastating impact of reckless driving are pressing concerns that hit close to home. Beyond the emotional loss, these accidents often impose a sudden, crushing financial weight, frequently forcing families to rely on GoFundMe campaigns just to manage the unexpected costs of funeral arrangements.