USC Hit and Run
The Los Angeles Police Department sought the public’s help Monday in tracking down suspects in a hit and run at Jefferson and Hoover that killed one student and injured another early Sunday morning.
Freshman Adrianna Bachan, 18, died shortly after being hit by a car heading eastbound through a red light. Freshman Marcus Garfinkle, 19, landed on the hood of the car and was carried forward until the car stopped and a passenger removed him from the hood. Police said the car then drove away, heading east on Jefferson.
“Adrianna Bachan should not have been killed the other night, yet she was,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese. “We need to close ranks and find out who did it.”
Both Bachan and Garfinkle were taken to California Hospital following the crash. Bachan died shortly thereafter. Garfinkle was in critical condition for several hours, but is expected to live.
Albanese said police received a 911 call at precisely 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Witnesses flagged down a passing fire engine one minute later. Officers with USC’s Department of Public Safety arrived on the scene two or three minutes after that, according to DPS Assistant Chief John Thomas.
Police asked the public to help with tracking down the suspects’ car, which they described as a black Lexus, Honda or Toyota Carolla of model year 1999 or 2000. They said the car would have significant damage to its hood and a broken windshield.
USC Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Jackson said USC is making counseling available to any member of the USC community who needs it.
“I want to say how terribly sad we are about the death of Adrianna Bachan,” Jackson said. “Our hearts and our prayers go out to her family and her friends. She was a beloved member of this community, an honor student, and loved being at USC and so we are very saddened about her passing as a result of this accident.”
“We also hope and pray for Marcus’ full recovery,” Jackson said.
Bachan’s mother arrived from Santa Barbara for the morning press conference. Carmen Bachan called her daughter lively and beautiful, and called the people who killed her “pigs.”
“I don’t even have tears,” Bachan said. “ I have cried so much. I want my daughter.”
ATVN reporter Monica Alba contributed to this report.