Authorities have apprehended 38-year-old Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey in Chicago following a tragic hit-and-run incident in Santa Monica that resulted in the deaths of two pedestrians and serious injuries to two others. The arrest, which came nearly two weeks after the October 24 collision on Wilshire Boulevard, has brought a measure of closure to the devastated families and community.
Kirksey was located by law enforcement near a transit center in Chicago after an intense investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions. According to Santa Monica Police, the suspect went to great lengths to avoid detection, fleeing California shortly after the crash and attempting to conceal his digital and physical presence.
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The vehicle involved in the fatal crash was rented through an online platform, though not directly by Kirksey himself. Investigators pieced together critical evidence, including electronic records and communication logs, which led them to the suspect’s location. This meticulous investigative work, coupled with inter-agency collaboration, ultimately led to Kirksey’s arrest.
He now faces serious charges, including two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run resulting in injury, and one count of reckless driving. Additionally, authorities are investigating the person who originally rented the vehicle, as reports suggest she may have assisted Kirksey in fleeing the state following the crash. Her potential involvement is under review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The crash claimed the lives of Brad Lipshy, a respected CEO in the event planning industry, and 61-year-old Maura Cohen, leaving the Santa Monica community in mourning.
Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob commended the investigative team for their persistence, stating, “While nothing can undo the pain this tragedy caused, this marks an important step toward justice for the victims and their families.”
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to encourage anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation progresses.