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February 15, 2025

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY

One killed in Gardena hit-and-run crash; Marian James arrested

  • By JOHN ESHER
  • News, Breaking News
  • Posted: February 03, 2025 EDT
  • Updated: February 06, 2025 02:31 AM EDT

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Accident at Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street leaves one person dead, authorities say

GARDENA, CA, (February 02, 2025) - A woman from Los Angeles faces a manslaughter charge after she crashed her vehicle into another car, killing its driver in Gardena Sunday morning, according to police.

Hit and Run posterMarian James, 29, is accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash that happened at Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street in Gardena Sunday morning, according to police.

The tragic incident happened around 7:38 a.m. near the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street.

Based on preliminary findings, Marian James, 29, was driving a vehicle southbound on Van Ness when she disregarded the red light at 135th Street and slammed into another car traveling eastbound on 135th. The driver of the second vehicle, whom officials identified only as a female, died at the scene as a result of injuries, police said.

James reportedly took off. She was later arrested outside of her home in the city of Los Angeles.

The investigation remains underway.

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone. 

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. 

“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family members of the victim may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. 

“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”


If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Van Ness Avenue and 135th Street
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