A sergeant with the Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail said Tuesday that he understands the demands for justice in a fatal crash, but also that gathering evidence in a complex investigation takes time.
Sgt. Michael Downing oversees Traffic Services, which has jurisdiction over major crash investigations in L.A. County, including the Feb. 6 crash that resulted in the deaths of Silvia “Patty” Lux, 49, and Genry Ortiz Torres, 54, of Canyon Country.
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials announced the arrest of a juvenile driver who was believed to be the person responsible for the crash.
Five days later, the SCV Sheriff’s Station issued a statement indicating the investigation would be handled by Downing’s team, which responded to the initial call about the crash.
“The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation,” according to the statement. “All gathered evidence will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal filing consideration. We are working diligently to ensure that justice is served for the family and that all legal protocols are strictly followed to maintain the integrity of the prosecution.”
Downing said it’s typical for an agency to make an arrest in a fatal crash and then release the person while more evidence is gathered, which is what’s happening now.
He mentioned the time it takes to do crash re-creations, as well as processing evidence from the crime lab — it could take months, he said.
“It takes time to get the blood work back, there’s the autopsy report, and then do all the reconstruction of the crash,” he said, adding a couple of months would be a “realistic timeline.”
A Sheriff’s Department official confirmed the suspect was taken into custody at a juvenile facility and then released.
The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Tuesday there’s been no filing.
