Long Beach, California – Authorities have publicly identified 28-year-old Samuel Ocegueda as the man killed early Sunday in Long Beach after being struck by a vehicle whose driver was later arrested on suspicion of murder.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the 1700 block of Newport Avenue, where Ocegueda was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk. Prior to the collision, investigators say Ocegueda, a Long Beach resident, had been involved in an argument with Isai Solis, a 28-year-old resident of Lynwood.
Police allege Solis struck Ocegueda with a four-door sedan and then fled the scene, continuing southbound on Newport Avenue and then westbound on Wilton Street without stopping to help.
Officers responding to the scene found Ocegueda unconscious in the roadway and rendered aid until Long Beach Fire Department paramedics arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide detectives later located Solis in the 12400 block of Sante Fe Avenue in Lynwood, where he was arrested. He was booked in Long Beach on suspicion of murder and is being held in lieu of $2 million bail, police said.
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges.
Anyone with information is urged to contact LBPD homicide detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Jared Asato at 562-570-7244, or call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Can Families Still Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim When the Driver Is Arrested?
Yes. An arrest does not prevent a family from pursuing a wrongful death claim. In fact, the criminal case and the civil claim are completely separate processes. Even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges such as vehicular manslaughter, DUI, or hit-and-run, the victim’s family may still file a civil claim through a wrongful death attorney California to seek financial compensation for their losses. Criminal charges focus on punishment, while a wrongful death lawsuit focuses on helping the family recover damages such as loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral-related expenses.
If the incident involved a hit-and-run, families may also work with hit and run accident attorneys to pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, or the at-fault driver’s personal assets. Whether the crash happened in Los Angeles or Long Beach, families can still pursue justice with the help of a los angeles car accident attorney or a car accident attorney in Long Beach who understands how criminal and civil cases intersect.
A specialized car accident law firm like Megeredchian Law can manage the investigation, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and prepare the case for trial if necessary. Their team of car accident lawyers in California can pursue maximum compensation even while the criminal process moves forward.Families seeking answers and justice can contact Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation.