UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash in Santa Monica that tragically claimed the lives of two pedestrians. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Kirksey, was taken into custody near a transit station in Chicago earlier today.
The incident occurred on October 24, 2025, when Kirksey was allegedly driving an orange Dodge Charger the wrong way on Wilshire Boulevard before swerving onto the sidewalk, striking two individuals who were walking home from a nearby sushi restaurant. This shocking event has left the community in mourning, with interim police chief Darrick Jacob describing it as “a devastating incident that took two lives and injured two others.”
As the investigation unfolded, police revealed that Kirksey took deliberate steps to evade capture. The hit-and-run vehicle was registered to a rental company, but officials confirmed it was not rented by Kirksey himself. A woman who had rented the car visited the crash site seeking information, leading to further inquiries into her involvement, which remains under investigation.
Kirksey has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving. District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims’ families, stating, “We look forward to bringing justice, and it is just a measure of justice to the victim’s families and the community.”
The swift actions of the Santa Monica Police Department have been commendable. “This arrest reflects the persistence and professionalism of our investigators, who worked tirelessly to identify and locate those responsible for this senseless act,” Jacob noted. While this arrest marks a significant step toward justice, the pain felt by the victims’ families and the community remains profound.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, and many are calling for enhanced safety measures on busy streets to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as new information emerges.
