Driver Charged With Killing Father Of 7 In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA – A motorist who allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian in Long Beach after an argument has been charged with murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Sokhorn Hor, 29, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the charge stemming from the death of Victor Herrera, a father of seven who was allegedly run over while standing in the center median area near Market Street and Orange Avenue late Saturday night.

Hor – who was suspected of arguing with Herrera moments earlier – drove off in a red sedan, police said. He was arrested after the car struck a parked vehicle at 10th Street and Obispo Avenue about two miles away, according to police. He has remained behind bars since his arrest, according to jail records.

Herrera, 40, of Long Beach, was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. He left behind a wife, seven children and a granddaughter. A fundraiser is underway to cover the costs of Herrera's death – for more information and to donate, see the GoFundMe.

Hor is due back in a Long Beach courtroom next Tuesday, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, he could face up to 25 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

City News Service contributed to this post; GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner; Image via GoFundMe