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Santa Monica Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested in Chicago and Charged After Extradition

Detectives traced him to Chicago using leads tied to a rented Dodge Charger.

Overview

  • Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey, 38, was located near a Chicago transit center, arrested, and returned to Southern California to face prosecution.
  • He is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving, with bail set at $1 million.
  • Authorities say the Oct. 24 crash on Wilshire Boulevard killed Maura Cohen and Brad Lipshy, both 61, and injured two others after a wrong-way Dodge Charger swerved onto the sidewalk.
  • Investigators say the car was rented online by a woman with a close personal relationship to Kirksey who helped him leave California, and her role remains under review.
  • Officials from Santa Monica and Chicago police and the Los Angeles County District Attorney praised the cross-jurisdictional work, and prosecutors say Kirksey could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted.