James Gonzalez, 39, is charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious injury to another person, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges include allegations that Gonzalez has prior convictions for burglary in 2003 and assault with a firearm in 2016.
Gonzalez was arrested Jan. 15, 2020, by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in connection with the Aug. 4, 2018, collision that killed Rodney Richard as he crossed the street at Lancaster Boulevard near Elm Avenue in Lancaster.
A white GMC Sierra traveling at an extremely high rate of speed in a 15 mph zone struck Richard and sped off without stopping, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Detectives from the Lancaster sheriff’s station unsuccessfully searched for months for the vehicle, with the county Board of Supervisors issuing a $10,000 reward in 2018 for information leading to the suspect and the city matching the $10,000 reward.
Detectives received an anonymous tip in October 2019 which resulted in three months of investigation that led them to identify Gonzalez as the suspect, according to the sheriff’s department.
Gonzalez is set to appear Feb. 18 in a Lancaster courtroom.
UPDATE: Suspect James Gonzalez, aka James G., is the owner of AV Ink Tattoo and Body Piercing in Lancaster.
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Ron says
How do the have proof he was drunk that night?
B says
Well now he gets a jails cell so glad we got the white trash off the streets
Go to school dude says
He is Hispanic. Someone needs to learn ethnic differences
Nunya says
He us actually hispanic and white his mom white hsi dad hispanic
Alexis says
He’s not even white dumb ass! Why does race have anything to do with it! He committed a crime now he’s paying for it regardless if he’s white or Mexican!
Jonathan Mayers says
He’s Innocent mark my words! FREE JAMES GONZALES!
B says
Lets hope he get the chair he look like white trash
Psssh says
He look like white trash? Gonzalez sounds Hispanic….. hmmmmm. Yous mights wanna goes back to dem schools, mmmmk?
Who knows maybe this was a hate crime the guy looks like a jerk says
Was this a hate crime I wouldn’t . Put it past. gang banger
One more unworthy says
Oh looks like another DACA a child.
In sanctuary City if you don’t like it tough move out of California I’m not here to kiss anybody’s behind you people can’t scared when people talk about you then get the hell out we don’t need you here
They took you job. says
You can’t even speak proper English LOL
me says
Fck you he was born in America you ignorant dumb ass….
florence rubenstein says
James has done many great things for the community, I don’t believe it!
Angry citizen says
Well he killed a young man so he hasnt done anything great at all. I hope he rots in jail. Hopefully they take his wife as well for helping him get away with it.
George Hernandez says
Shot I’d never go to AV Ink it shows what there place of business is like! If there owner ran over a innocent Black young man; I could only imagine what other shady stuff he’s done.
2 damn year’s an he was tattooing like nothing happen..
Anonymous Tip says
James G. sounds like a model citizen.
Angry citizen says
Well he isnt hes a psychopath that thought he would get a away with murder
LingLow says
I think this is all a misunderstanding. The driver should be let off with a warning…
Tom says
There is no miss understanding. The driver lost his opportunity when he fled the scene. He’s been enjoying life this whole time while some poor kid lays 6 feet in the ground. He may be a friend of Linglow, but a crime is a crime dude should get 20 years.
LingLow says
You sound like a typical hater….20 years accomplishes nothing except costing taxpayers money. You are the same as Fake News…fake….you have no facts yet have already convicted and sentenced the guy…you have zero credibility
George Hernandez says
Ling jerk says
You sound like you just had too much Corona to drink or is it Dos Equis you people can’t face nothing you’re ignorant
Your mom and dad would rake your families and you still wouldn’t complain cuz you’re idiots
Tom says
Let’s see what you think if your kid gets hit by a hit and run [removed] afraid to face the facts.
Mad citizen says
Your s [removed] he is guilty. Get your [removed] out of here
Angry citizen says
I think you should get punched in the throat he deserves everything that he has coming to him! HE IS A MURDERER!!!
Angry citizen says
They got evidence you wanna [removed] so hard go to jail with him [removed].
Crossroads says
Stupid tattoo artist if you have your own business get away from the Bar lifestyle and dedicate your life to your kids and family idiot