Adrian Carrillo killed in red-light hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles

Minivan runs red light and strikes Ford Mustang occupied by Marine on Terra Bella Street

December 12, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA

A 20-year-old U.S. Marine lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run collision in Los Angeles.

Adrian Carrillo, 20, a U.S. Marine sergeant, and his girlfriend were killed in a hit-and-run crash at North Woodman Avenue and Terra Bella Street in Los Angeles.

Adrian Carrillo, a sergeant preparing to re-enlist, was riding in a Ford Mustang when a minivan disregarded a red light and slammed into the vehicle around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Woodman Avenue and Terra Bella Street. The minivan's 30-year-old driver was escaping an earlier, unrelated crash nearby and also struck a Honda Civic during the incident.

Carrillo and his unidentified girlfriend died at the scene. The minivan driver also died in the crash. Authorities noted that the Honda Civic's driver fled and remains at large.

What Happened in the Crash?

• Date and Time: Dec. 12, 2025, approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Location: North Woodman Avenue and Terra Bella Street, Los Angeles, CA
• Vehicles Involved: Ford Mustang, victims' vehicle, minivan, fleeing driver, Honda Civic, struck and fled
• Fatalities: Adrian Carrillo, 20, U.S. Marine, his girlfriend, unidentified, minivan driver, 30
• Investigation Status: Ongoing by local police

The sequence began with the minivan involved in a prior collision, prompting the driver to speed away and ignore traffic signals, leading to the fatal multi-vehicle crash.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?

Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal consequences, such as intoxication or unlicensed operation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes have surged, contributing to thousands of deaths annually.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

This table highlights the growing crisis, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and awareness.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving hit-and-run motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations are essential to uncover contributing factors.

“Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting play key roles that must be examined to establish negligence and support claims for justice,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline.

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:

• Independent investigations help identify overlooked evidence, like poor visibility or driver impairment.
• Victims' families deserve comprehensive reviews to pursue rightful compensation.
• Legal support ensures all angles, from initial response to long-term effects, are addressed.

“Protecting the interests of those affected by catastrophic accidents is paramount, including seeking remedies for loss and distress,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

The family of Adrian Carrillo may pursue a wrongful death claim to address losses such as companionship and emotional suffering.

Police continue to investigate the crash, focusing on the fleeing Civic driver and the chain of events.

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