Maura Cohen Obituary – Brad Lipshy Death: Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy Pass Away in Santa Monica Collision: Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey Taken Into Custody in Chica

 Following a heartbreaking hit-and-run incident in Santa Monica that resulted in the deaths of two pedestrians and left two others severely injured, law enforcement has captured 38-year-old Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey in Chicago.

The apprehension, as reported by NBC Los Angeles, occurred nearly two weeks subsequent to the collision on Wilshire Boulevard on October 24, which sent shockwaves throughout the Santa Monica area and plunged the victims' families into sorrow.

The Santa Monica police revealed on Wednesday that through a collaborative investigative process, Kirksey was found and arrested near a transit hub in Chicago, where he had allegedly been trying to elude the police.

Officials noted that the suspect had taken “intentional” steps to stay under the radar, including leaving California shortly after the incident. His actions involved fleeing the crash scene and working to conceal both his digital and physical presence.

As stated by the Santa Monica Police Department, the car involved in the deadly incident was rented through an online service, although Kirksey himself did not make the rental.

Law enforcement highlighted that the arrest was the result of meticulous investigative work coupled with cooperation between agencies. Kirksey now faces formal charges comprising two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run that resulted in injuries, as well as one count of reckless driving.

Besides Kirksey, the person who initially rented the vehicle is under scrutiny for any potential role in aiding his escape from California. Reports suggest that she visited the scene of the accident after it occurred and subsequently helped Kirksey leave the state.

Officials indicated, “The degree of this individual's involvement is still being probed and will be assessed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.”

The incident resulted in the fatalities of Brad Lipshy, a distinguished CEO in the event management sector, and Maura Cohen, aged 61, leaving the Santa Monica community to cope with the shock and sorrow stemming from this senseless occurrence.

Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob commended the hard work and professionalism of his investigative team, emphasizing the significance of their efforts in apprehending the suspect. Chief Jacob noted, “While no action can erase the hurt caused by this tragedy, this represents a vital move toward justice for the victims and their families.”

Kirksey has been extradited from Illinois to California and is presently in the custody of Santa Monica law enforcement as the investigation carries on. Authorities are also collaborating closely with prosecutors to ensure all charges are comprehensively reviewed and to ascertain whether additional legal measures are necessary against anyone who may have aided Kirksey in dodging justice.

This arrest highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to hold accountable those involved in fatal vehicular incidents and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities from reckless and dangerous driving behavior.

The city of Santa Monica, still affected by the tragedy of October 24, regards this development as a significant stride toward providing closure for the families and the community overall.