A murder charge has been added against a man accused of running over a woman during a fight at a Long Beach gas station, prosecutors announced today.
Authorities added the charge this week against 30-year-old Harrison Samuel Bowser after the woman he’s accused of hitting died from her injuries earlier this month.
Police allege Bowser was behind the wheel of a truck on Dec. 15 when he arrived at a gas station on Anaheim Street near Magnolia Avenue with two female passengers.
The two women, 25-year-old Elizabeth Perez-Espino and 26-year-old Samantha Smith got into a fight, during which Smith threw Perez-Espino to the ground, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
“Bowser, who was there with Smith, later ran over the victim and fled the scene,” the D.A.’s office said in a statement.
Perez-Espino was rushed to the hospital and detectives were able to track down Smith and Bowser within a few hours, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Prosecutors later filed hit-and-run and aggravated assault charges against Bowser. Smith was charged with aggravated assault.
Perez-Espino died in the hospital on Dec. 22, prompting prosecutors to file the murder charge against Bowser, according to authorities. They also added one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to the D.A.’s office.
Bowser could face 15 years to life in prison if he’s convicted. Smith, who is still charged with only aggravated assault, faces up to four years in prison.
Both defendants previously pleaded not guilty. Bowser is expected back in court to face the new charges on Jan. 2.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a new date for Bowser’s court hearing.