Those wishing to donate to Esme’s family should visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/put-esme-to-rest.
According to the fundraiser, Esme worked at Palmdale Regional Medical Center and was looking forward to the upcoming school year to further her studies. Her passing left a financial gap in her fixed income household, which includes full-time care of a brother who is blind and handicapped.
“We are asking anyone and everyone for help to put my sister to rest and help ease the heavy financial burdens that my family now faces. She deserves to be laid to rest with the utmost dignity and beauty as that is what she radiated,” according to the fundraising page, which was created on behalf of Esme’s brother, Izaa Monjaras.
Around 2:38 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, Esme was a passenger in a 2020 Hyundai Venue that was traveling northbound on 100th Street East when it was broadsided at the Avenue R intersection by a 2019 GMC Sierra that ran a stop sign and was traveling at an “unsafe rate of speed,” according to the California Highway Patrol. Esme was pronounced dead at the scene, as was the driver of the Hyundai, 26-year-old Ericka Gonzalez of Lake Los Angeles.
The GMC’s driver, 41-year-old Juan Jose Escamilla of Littlerock, sustained minor injuries in the crash, and he was arrested at the scene, according to the CHP. Escamilla was booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station jail at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, according to LASD inmate records. He was released on $100,000 bond the next day — at 4:49 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, inmate records show. A court date is set for Feb. 8, at 8:30 a.m., for Escamilla, according to LASD inmate records.
Previous related story: Authorities ID two women killed in AV traffic crash
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Ann says
Now when someone causes a accident it seems that they run, if they came here legally and didn’t drink & drive maybe more people would be alive.
Lizzette Gonzalez says
Dear AV Times,
Erika was my sister, who unfortunately passed away in this accident with Esme.
We are completely heartbroken and in shock with this— these girls were best friends who loved each other very much and had such bright, beautiful futures ahead for them.
We wish they were still here with us. We miss them and will love them forever.
Could you please share Esme’s go-fund me page again? Her family need all of the support they can get. We are hoping you could please also share Erika’s go-fund me to help lay her to rest and say goodbye, honoring her life and memory.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support to everyone who has donated for both of these beautiful souls. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God bless you all.
– The Gonzalez Family
https://gofund.me/afec8554
https://gofund.me/7c5f2863
H says
I was in my backyard two blocks over did not hear crash but heard police and ambulance. This is very sad. RIP.
gabe says
Very sad
Abby M says
This hits home, my niece was struck and killed on this same street almost 5yrs ago she was only 7yrs old. The irresponsible piece of [removed] who killed her was under the influence of narcotics and he walks free while we had to bury our baby girl. Now this poor family has to bury their beautiful daughter due to a drunk driver who posted a $100,000 bail. So sad makes no sense my deepest and heart felt condolences to the Rangel Family!!!
Debbie castillo says
The system is very crooked it makes no sense they let the worst people out and put very wider people in system sucks it is to be changed big-time
Yvonne French says
Prayers for their family
Yvonne French says
If the DUI driver that murdered these 2 young women can afford to bail out with a $100,000 bail he surely can pay for a real nice funeral that he caused JS
Magnetlady says
WHERE did this guy get the money to bail out? $100,000 bond is a big ”chuck of change” to dish out. Why isn’t he still in JAIL after 2 beautiful young women DIED? What is this World coming to?
Tim Scott says
Most likely from a bail bondsman. That’s how the whole ‘innocent until proven guilty’ thing works. Though it certainly seems like there are cases where guilt is so freakin’ obvious that some sort of short cut would be a good thing.
Ana says
I’m shocked that he was let out on bond. I live in Littlerock and have seen this gmc truck blow stop signs on 105 and R. It’s disappointing he was let out. Prayers for the victims.
warm-fish-salad says
Released on bond, wtf is going on with the world today…
Justice says
Released 12 hours later ? wtf
One more drunk illegal says
They wanted him to keep the liquor store busy
Charmaine Rivers says
Please know we are praying for your mom and the entire family. I made a donation on her GFM page
I only wish I had more to give.