Young Couple And Unborn Baby Likely Died Street Racing: Police

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Authorities now believe that street racing led to the deaths of a young couple and their unborn child on Independence day near Chatsworth and Reseda.

The fiery crash killed 25-year-olds Pablo Elias, Maria Verenice Basilio and their unborn baby.

“Based on witness statements, video footage and the speed of the vehicles, our detectives classified it as a street racing incident,” Sgt. Gregory Fuqua of LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division told the Los Angeles Daily News.
Elias was driving a east on Roscoe Boulevard when he got involved with an impromptu street race at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour, authorities told the newspaper.

But Elias crashed into several vehicles, and his car flipped trapping him. On that fateful holiday night, paramedics were sent to the 22900 block of Roscoe Boulevard.

"At least three vehicles became engulfed with flames, including the vehicle with the two patients inside," said Amy Bastman of the LAFD.

Basilio got out of the vehicle on her own, but firefighters had to free Elias from the burning vehicle, Bastman said.

Both later dies at the hospital. The second driver, Cody Eickhoff, 23, of West Hills was hospitalized, arrested and later released, the Daily News reported. No charges have been filed, and the investigation into the incident continues.

For the full Los Angeles Daily News report, click here.

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