LOS ANGELES—On May 30, a 33-year-old woman was charged with murder and vehicular manslaughter for the death of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Christopher Cortijo.
Qaneak Shaney Cobb allegedly hit the police officers motorcycle resulting in him being crushed between two cars. Four days after the incident, officer Cortijo succumbed to his injuries.
Cobb pleaded not guilty to the charges. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Kellogg set bail at one million dollars.
According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Deputy District Attorneys Mary Murray and Garrett Dameron with the Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit will be prosecuting the case.
The suspect pleaded not guilty to charges which included the possession of cocaine following the April 5 collision. The three-count complaint alleges that the suspect has prior convictions for grand theft and drug possession. Qaneak could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
Richard Riordan, the 39th mayor of Los Angeles, in a statement via twitter, sent his condolences to the family of officer Cortijo and described his death as a sad day for the city of Los Angeles.
Helicopters flew around the city to show respect and pay tribute to Officer Cortijo. In his career, he had made more than 3000 DUI arrests.
