A California Highway Patrol officer faces murder charges after ramming a civilian vehicle at 130 mph, fleeing the scene, and leaving four young people trapped in the disabled car before a drunk driver struck and killed them all.

Officer Abandoned Victims After High-Speed Collision

Angelo Rodriguez was driving his patrol car without lights or a siren when he struck a Nissan sedan at approximately 1 a.m. on June 20, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday. After the collision disabled the Nissan in the HOV lane with its emergency lights flashing, Rodriguez pulled to the roadside with his own lights off and remained there for three minutes. Prosecutors say he exited his vehicle to inspect damage to his patrol car before leaving the freeway entirely.

Rodriguez called in an accident report without disclosing his involvement, according to the district attorney. Before he could return, Iris Salmero allegedly struck the disabled Nissan at 110 mph while driving under the influence. The impact caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Julianna Hamori, 23, Armand DelCampo, 24, Jordan Partridge, 23, and Samantha Skocilic, 22, burned to death inside. Hamori and DelCampo were preparing for their wedding, and Hamori had already selected her wedding dress, her aunt confirmed.

Both Drivers Face Murder Charges

Hochman confirmed Rodriguez was not tested for drugs or alcohol, stating investigators found no evidence of impairment. Both Rodriguez and Salmero face four counts of murder. Salmero faces two additional DUI counts. Each defendant is held on eight million dollars bail and could face life in prison if convicted. The district attorney described the cases as among the most difficult he has prosecuted.

Tragedy Raises Questions About Law Enforcement Accountability

The case highlights concerns about police conduct and accountability when officers cause civilian casualties. Passing motorists captured horrific footage of the burning vehicle. The four victims, all in their early twenties with their lives ahead of them, died because of decisions made by two drivers—one sworn to protect the public. Prosecutors argue Rodriguez’s actions directly contributed to a preventable tragedy that destroyed multiple families and cut short four promising young lives.