Witnesses Sought to Accident That Killed Girl
Investigators are seeking witnesses to a fatal crash on the Ronald Reagan Freeway that left a 14-year-old Winnetka girl dead, authorities said Monday.
Bernice Martinez was killed while riding with two older sisters in a Honda Accord driven by Samer N. Rabadi, 20, of West Hills. Rabadi lost control of the car Sunday evening while driving about 75 mph near DeSoto Avenue, said Officer Frank Sansone of the California Highway Patrol.
The driver of a purple and white Honda Civic may have been racing with the green Honda Accord, which Bernice was riding in when it hit a light standard and went up a dirt embankment on the south side of the freeway, Sansone said.
Rabadi and two other passengers in the Accord--Sandra Martinez, 19, and Carla Martinez, 16, also of Winnetka--were not injured, Sansone said. All four in the car were wearing seat belts, he said. Bernice was riding in the left rear seat, behind the driver.
There was no alcohol involved in the incident and there have been no arrests. However, investigators have confiscated the purple and white vehicle, which reportedly was being driven by Freddie Renteria, 19, of Newbury Park, Sansone said.
“We need more witnesses to tell us what events occurred prior to the crash,” Sansone said.
He asked that anyone with information contact the CHP West Valley area office at (818) 888-0980.
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