Bail System Failed Three Victims

A devastating case in Long Beach has exposed dangerous flaws in California’s “catch-and-release” justice system. Ahkeyajahnique Owens, 24, is suspected of causing two separate fatal crashes, killing three people, all while she was free on bail following the initial incident. The victims’ grieving families are demanding justice, questioning why a driver under investigation for a fatal crash was allowed to remain on the roads, leading to more innocent deaths. The case puts the state’s prosecutorial and bail policies under intense scrutiny.

Story Highlights

24-year-old Ahkeyajahnique Owens suspected in two fatal Long Beach crashes killing three victims.
First crash in October killed bicyclist; second crash in January killed two passengers after red-light violation.
Owens was free after initial arrest when second deadly hit-and-run occurred.
Victims’ families demand justice as $200,000 bail set for vehicular manslaughter charge.

Deadly Pattern Emerges in Long Beach Crashes

Ahkeyajahnique Owens, 24, faces mounting evidence linking her to two separate fatal crashes in Long Beach that claimed three innocent lives within five months. The first incident occurred October 6, 2025, when Owens allegedly struck bicyclist Raul Augustin Gallopa with her BMW 330i on East 4th Street. Gallopa, 35, was legally riding eastbound when the collision occurred. Despite being arrested initially for reckless driving, Owens was released while investigators continued building their case.

A Long Beach woman turned herself in this week after detectives linked her to two separate traffic crashes that left three people dead and others injured, police said. Details: https://t.co/BiY9UpGw9J

— KTLA (@KTLA) January 9, 2026

Second Crash Claims Two Young Lives

On January 4, 2026, tragedy struck again when Owens allegedly ran a red light at Atlantic Avenue and East 6th Street, causing a devastating multi-vehicle collision. The impact was so severe that rear passengers Gilberto Lopez, 21, and Bobbi Smith, 24, were ejected from their Nissan Altima and pronounced dead at the scene. Three additional people suffered injuries in the crash. Unlike the first incident, Owens fled the scene before police arrived, turning what was already a deadly crash into a hit-and-run investigation.

Forensic Evidence Links Suspect to Both Incidents

Long Beach Police used forensic evidence and video footage to connect Owens to both fatal crashes. After Gallopa died from his injuries on October 20, 2025, investigators upgraded their case and sought a felony vehicular manslaughter warrant. The Collision Investigation Detail continued gathering evidence over several months before presenting their findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Police indicate that speed likely played a role in both deadly incidents, highlighting a pattern of reckless driving behavior.

Families Demand Justice While System Fails

Bobbi Smith’s mother, Monique Jackson, publicly demanded that Owens remain in jail, telling reporters she wants the suspect “in jail for the rest of her life.” The grieving families have launched GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses while grappling with the devastating loss of their loved ones. Owens turned herself in on January 7, 2026, and was booked on felony vehicular manslaughter charges with bail set at $200,000. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the October crash, while additional charges for the January hit-and-run are expected.

California’s Broken Bail System Under Scrutiny

This case exemplifies the dangerous consequences of California’s lenient approach to violent criminals. Owens was free to allegedly kill two more people while already under investigation for a fatal crash, exposing fundamental flaws in the state’s justice system. The delayed charging process allowed a potentially dangerous driver to remain on the roads, ultimately resulting in more innocent deaths. This pattern of catch-and-release policies continues to endanger law-abiding citizens while prioritizing criminals’ freedom over public safety. The case raises serious questions about prosecutorial decision-making and the urgent need for stronger accountability measures.

Watch the report: Police arrest driver allegedly responsible for two deadly crashes in Long Beach