Murder Charge Sought in Freeway Accident

The California Highway Patrol is seeking a murder charge against a woman who allegedly caused a freeway accident while drunk and then fled without attempting to aid the other driver. That motorist died at the scene.

Police said Danielle L. Mason, 20, of Los Angeles sideswiped a Jeep Cherokee driven by Cary Robert Grant, 37, of Hollywood Hills on the eastbound Ventura Freeway near White Oak Avenue about 10:45 p.m. Thursday. Both vehicles skidded onto the shoulder, where the Jeep hit a tree.

According to officers, witnesses said Mason watched the Jeep catch fire, then backed up and drove away at high speed. A motorist followed her for two miles, until Mason’s car broke down, while another passerby tried to help Grant, police said. Officers arrested Mason on Haskell Avenue.

Officer Leland Tang said the CHP is asking the district attorney for a murder charge because Mason left the scene and “did absolutely nothing” to help Grant.