| For Immediate Release Case # 14CF0239 February 25, 2014 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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TRUCK DRIVER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR FAILING TO HELP WOMAN AFTER SHE FELL TO HER DEATH FROM HIS MOVING VEHICLE ON FREEWAY
SANTA ANA – A truck driver will be arraigned tomorrow on charges of failing to stop and render aid or call the police after a woman fell to her death from his moving vehicle on the freeway. Jaqwun Laerin Turner, 33, Hawthorne, is charged with one felony count of hit and run causing death and faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison if convicted. He is out of custody on $50,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-57, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On Dec. 8, 2013, Turner is accused of meeting 51-year-old Martha Rodenzo at a gas station and offering her a ride.
At approximately 2:15 a.m. on Dec. 8, 2013, Turner is accused of driving a semi-truck northbound on Interstate 5 with Rodenzo in the passenger seat. As they approached the California State Route 22 interchange in Santa Ana, the victim opened her door and fell from the moving vehicle, landing in the gore point between the two freeways. Rodenzo died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the fall.
Turner is accused of failing to stop to assist the victim. He is accused of driving away from the scene and failing to report the accident to police.
This case was investigated by the Santa Ana Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
Deputy District Attorney Anna McIntire of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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