Police Take Up Collection for Grieving Family

A man whose pregnant wife and two young sons were killed when a car hit them last week in Boyle Heights was presented Friday with a check and other gifts from Hollenbeck Division police officers.

Officers said they were so moved by the tragedy that they started a collection for the grieving father, Oscar Zepeda, and his two surviving sons, William, 12, and David, 4, who was injured in the accident.

“After the incident happened, a couple of the officers were very touched and wanted to collect some money,” said Officer Candice Hensley. “It just grew from there.”

The accident at the intersection of Lorena and Beswick streets killed Analidia Villasenor and her two sons, Antonio Zepeda, 5, and Jose Oscar Zepeda, 1. It occurred when two cars collided and one careened into the pedestrians.

The officers collected $600 from their colleagues, which they gave to Oscar Zepeda in the form of a money order. For his sons, they bought a basketball hoop and ball. Area businesses also contributed toys and gift certificates to a Toys R Us.

“We just wanted to give them a little something, even though it’s not much for their loss,” Hensley said.

Police said that anyone wishing to help the Zepeda family can make donations through Father John Moretta of the Resurrection Church, 3342 Opal St., Los Angeles, 90023. Father Moretta’s phone number is (323) 268-1141.