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Arrest made, murder charge filed in Lancaster hit-and-run death [updated]

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Victim Rodney Richard [pictured left] was struck and killed on Lancaster Blvd. on Aug. 4, 2018. Detectives have identified James Gonzalez of Lancaster as the driver of the white GMC truck [pictured right] that struck Richard and then fled the scene.
LANCASTER – A Lancaster man has been arrested and charged with murder and other felonies related to the hit-and-run death of 22-year-old Rodney Richard in August 2018, authorities announced.

James Gonzalez, 39, is charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious injury to another person, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The charges include allegations that Gonzalez has prior convictions for burglary in 2003 and assault with a firearm in 2016.

Gonzalez was arrested Jan. 15, 2020, by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in connection with the Aug. 4, 2018, collision that killed Rodney Richard as he crossed the street at Lancaster Boulevard near Elm Avenue in Lancaster.

A white GMC Sierra traveling at an extremely high rate of speed in a 15 mph zone struck Richard and sped off without stopping, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Detectives from the Lancaster sheriff’s station unsuccessfully searched for months for the vehicle, with the county Board of Supervisors issuing a $10,000 reward in 2018 for information leading to the suspect and the city matching the $10,000 reward.

Detectives received an anonymous tip in October 2019 which resulted in three months of investigation that led them to identify Gonzalez as the suspect, according to the sheriff’s department.

Gonzalez is set to appear Feb. 18 in a Lancaster courtroom.

UPDATE: Suspect James Gonzalez, aka James G., is the owner of AV Ink Tattoo and Body Piercing in Lancaster.

Suspected hit-and-run driver James Gonzalez. [Image via Facebook]
Previous related stories:

LA County renews reward in Lancaster hit-and-run death

$10K reward offered in Lancaster hit-and-run death

Public’s help sought in fatal hit and run in Lancaster

Man killed by hit-and-run motorist in Lancaster

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27 comments for "Arrest made, murder charge filed in Lancaster hit-and-run death [updated]"

  4. Was this a hate crime I wouldn’t . Put it past. gang banger

  5. Oh looks like another DACA a child.
    In sanctuary City if you don’t like it tough move out of California I’m not here to kiss anybody’s behind you people can’t scared when people talk about you then get the hell out we don’t need you here

    • Well he killed a young man so he hasnt done anything great at all. I hope he rots in jail. Hopefully they take his wife as well for helping him get away with it.

  7. Shot I’d never go to AV Ink it shows what there place of business is like! If there owner ran over a innocent Black young man; I could only imagine what other shady stuff he’s done.
    2 damn year’s an he was tattooing like nothing happen..

    • There is no miss understanding. The driver lost his opportunity when he fled the scene. He’s been enjoying life this whole time while some poor kid lays 6 feet in the ground. He may be a friend of Linglow, but a crime is a crime dude should get 20 years.

      • You sound like a typical hater….20 years accomplishes nothing except costing taxpayers money. You are the same as Fake News…fake….you have no facts yet have already convicted and sentenced the guy…you have zero credibility

        • You sound like you just had too much Corona to drink or is it Dos Equis you people can’t face nothing you’re ignorant
          Your mom and dad would rake your families and you still wouldn’t complain cuz you’re idiots

    • I think you should get punched in the throat he deserves everything that he has coming to him! HE IS A MURDERER!!!

  10. Stupid tattoo artist if you have your own business get away from the Bar lifestyle and dedicate your life to your kids and family idiot