RESEDA : Motorcyclist Faces Murder Charges in Two Deaths
Prosecutors filed murder charges Tuesday against a Canoga Park motorcyclist who previously had been charged with vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of a Reseda couple killed when their car crashed into a tree.
Martin J. Ruthman, 34, faces up to 31 years to life in prison if convicted in the March 12 deaths of Mark and Rowena Gold, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Andrew W. Diamond.
Prosecutors say Ruthman veered in front of the Gold’s Honda Accord after Ruthman and Mark Gold exchanged angry words as they drove east on Victory Boulevard in Reseda.
At a preliminary hearing, witnesses said Ruthman kicked the car door at least twice, then veered in front of the Honda. Gold, who was driving between 50 and 60 m.p.h., lost control of the car and crashed after Ruthman cut in front of him, according to testimony.
Ruthman told police he feared Gold’s driving endangered his wife, who was riding nearby and had little experience.
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