Speeding Driver Charged with Murder in 405 Freeway Crash that Killed LAPD Sergeant and Another Motorist
Prosecutors say Mario Joseph Bickham was driving about 112 mph when he hit the officer and another motorist, according to court records.
- On Monday, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced two murder charges against 36-year-old Mario Joseph Bickham for the June 23, 2025, 405 Freeway crash that killed LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and motorist Jesus Garcia.
- After Deng stopped to help Garcia, whose pickup was disabled in the HOV lane following a hit-and-run, prosecutors allege Bickham was traveling at 112.5 mph when he struck both men.
- District Attorney Hochman cited Bickham's history of excessive speeding, noting a citation for 105 mph one month before the crash. Before the collision, 33 other vehicles safely bypassed the scene.
- California Highway Patrol officers arrested Bickham on Monday morning, June 29, following an extensive investigation. He is currently held on $2 million bail, though the District Attorney's Office seeks no bail or alternatively $4 million.
- Bickham could appear for arraignment as early as Tuesday. If convicted of the second-degree murder charges, he faces 15 years to life, potentially a double life sentence for the two victims.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Driver Charged With Murder in 112mph Crash
A Los Angeles driver accused of topping 110mph on the 405 freeway is now facing two murder counts, the Los Angeles Times reports. Prosecutors say 36-year-old Mario Joseph Bickham was driving about 112mph near the Getty Center exit around 2am on June 23, 2025, when he slammed into LAPD Sgt....
Man Charged in Crash That Killed LAPD Sergeant and Motorist
Prosecutors said the driver was traveling more than 112 mph when he struck an LAPD patrol SUV and two men on the 405 Freeway. LOS ANGELES, CA — A Hawthorne man has been charged with murder in a high-speed crash that killed an LAPD sergeant and a stranded driver on the 405 Freeway near the...
Driver who held fundraiser for himself after killing LAPD cop and Whole Foods worker charged with murder
DA Hochman and Chief McDonnell announced murder charges against Mario Bickham, a driver who smashed into on-duty LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and 34-year-old Jesús Garcia on the 405 Freeway around 2 a.m. on June 23 of last year.
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