Four people, including one child, have been confirmed dead after a car struck a group of pedestrians leaving a Christmas recital a St. James Catholic Church Wednesday night.
According to police, Margo Bronstein, 56, was driving northbound on Pacific Coast Highway when she ran a red light at Vincent Street, striking several pedestrians in the crosswalk. Four were killed as a result of their injuries: Samuel Gaza, 6; Mary Anne Wilson, 81; Saeko Matsumura, 87; and Martha Gaza, 36, all of Torrance. Gaza’s death was announced this morning by Redondo Beach Police. One victim, previously considered critical, has been upgraded to stable condition. In total, 13 people were injured, including the driver.
After hitting the pedestrians, Bronstein’s car came to a stop after hitting a vehicle in the southbound traffic lanes.
Bronstein was arrested following treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, and charged with felony vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. According to RBPD, she is believed to have been under the influence of prescription medications, though investigators refuse to specify which medications those may be. Bronstein is being held by Redondo Beach Police with bail set at $300,000, and is scheduled to be in court on Friday, Dec. 19.
Michael Tovar, 61, of Lomita, was in a car stopped at the intersection, facing southbound, when the accident occurred.
“All of a sudden, I saw bodies flying,” he said.
Tovar watched as Bronstein’s vehicle collided with the southbound car, pushing it backward.
“I got out of my car at that point, and that’s when I walked up and saw a little boy pinned under a car,” he said. “I couldn’t believe seeing that happen…I started yelling at the lady. ‘What were you thinking? Look what you did!’”
Tovar said the driver was looking straight ahead until he began yelling at her. Then she turned and looked at him without responding.
Tovar, whose granddaughter performed in the recital Wednesday night but wasn’t among the injured, returned to the church this morning and spoke to counselors at St. James Catholic Church. A youth volunteer for more than 30 years, he was deeply shaken.
“A friend of mine called me and asked if I was ok. I said ‘I couldn’t help that boy.’ Not being able to help somebody when you’re a helper…that hurt,” Tovar said. “That hurt a lot.”
Update, 5:16 p.m.: Added information reflecting RBPD belief that the suspect was under the influence of prescription medication.
Update, Dec. 19, 8:47 a.m.: Updated to reflect new information regarding status of the victims.
