A 20-year-old Southern California woman has been arrested after running over a man with her car. Hannah Star Esser is facing murder charges for hitting 43-year-old Luis Anthony Victor because she believed he had tried to hurt a cat. Sadly, Victor died as a result of his injuries, the Orange County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.
- It’s unclear what made Esser believe that Victor was harming the animal. However, according to the DA, Esser was driving in the city of Cypress on Sunday, September 25 when she stopped her vehicle to confront the victim for allegedly trying to run over a cat that was in the road. She’s said to have gotten out of her car and started recording the man, and an argument between the pair ensued.
- Victor got out of his car to continue the confrontation. Court documents say at that point, Esser got back into her own vehicle while still arguing with Victor before going to drive away. However, instead of leaving the scene, she purposely turned around to hit the man.
- Esser could have driven away but she chose not to. “Instead of continuing to drive away from Victor and out of the area, Esser made a 3-point turn and drove back towards Victor in the direction of a cul-de-sac,” the DA’s office stated. “[Hannah] Esser then made a U-turn, accelerated, and drove directly at Victor. Esser is accused of intentionally driving into Victor, striking him with the right front of her car.” They added that Victor was thrown over the hood and windshield of Esser’s car before landing in the street. Rescue personnel pronounced him dead on the scene.
- Hannah Esser will be arraigned for Victor’s murder on October 13. While it’s unclear how she intends to plead, the DA’s office plans to pursue the maximum punishment for her callous crime. “This action showed a complete disregard for human life,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will ensure that this random act of violence targeting a stranger will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
