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Driver arrested after two fatal crashes
A woman is behind bars after two separate fatal crashes that claimed three lives. The family of one of the victims said this could have been prevented.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - A 24-year-old woman who was allegedly involved in two separate crashes in Long Beach over the span of three months, resulting in the deaths of three people, is in custody.
What we know:
According to police, Ahkeyajahnique Owens was involved in an Oct. 6, 2025 fatal collision at East Fourth Street and Bonito Avenue that killed 35-year-old bicyclist Raul Augustin Gallopa. Following that incident, Owens was arrested and released.
On Sunday, Jan. 4, police say Owens was involved in a second fatal crash at Atlantic Avenue and East Sixth Street. In this collision, 21-year-old Gilberto Lopez and 24-year-old Bobbi Smith, were killed, and three others were injured.
Police allege Owens left the scene before authorities arrived.
Forensic evidence linked Owens to both crime scenes, police said, leading Owens to turn herself in on Wednesday.
She was booked into the Long Beach City Jail on a warrant for felony vehicular manslaughter related to the October crash. Her bail is set at $200,000.
Family speaks out
The family of Bobbi Smith spoke to FOX 11, saying this tragedy could have been prevented. The family said they were outraged after learning the driver was involved in another deadly crash.
"This individual was involved in another incident in October, whom also killed someone. And so, you know, we just don't understand, and we are very hurt that this person was out and was able to hurt someone else, our family member, and not only our family members, other victims as well. And so we want justice served," said Jazmini Adams, Smith's cousin.
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Family of woman killed in Long Beach crash speaks out
The family of Bobbi Smith says her death could have been prevented after learning the driver who struck her had been involved in another fatal accident just months earlier.
"She was beautiful, she was talented, she was a singer in the choir, in the church, in high school. It just threw me apart," her mother, Monique Jackson, emotionally exclaimed.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Smith's family.
What's next:
Owens was charged with reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter in the first case. Prosecutors will review the evidence related to the recent double-fatal collision next week to determine additional charges.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact LBPD's Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7110.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Long Beach Police Department.