The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has authorized a $20,000 reward for critical information leading to the capture and conviction of the assailants responsible for the brutal beating and subsequent fatal hit-and-run of an active-duty Marine in Bellflower. The Marine, identified as 42-year-old Peter Chounthala, sustained severe injuries during the attack which took place on May 28, around 2 a.m., near Virginia Avenue and Artesia Boulevard. Detectives from the LA County Sheriff's Department are on the hunt for the attackers and the driver of a dark-colored, four-door sedan, likely a 2021 to 2023 Kia K5, that ran over Chounthala, as reported by CBS Los Angeles.
According to details shared by the Los Angeles County Board, after the vicious assault, Chounthala collapsed in the street and was run over before the perpetrators fled the scene. Chounthala, who served in Afghanistan and with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units, tragically succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a 3-year-old son, a wife, and two younger sisters. The search for the men involved in the assault, and the driver continues as the officials believe that there might have been witnesses to the incident that night, as per KTLA.
At a news conference, the gravity of the situation was further underscored by heartfelt statements from Chounthala's loved ones. "Peter was loved by many. He was a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a friend and a Marine," said his sister, Witpha Chounthala, as obtained by KTLA.
Chounthala's death has irreparably altered the fabric of his family. "He was everything to me, to my family … He’s like the glue that held us together," recounted his mourning wife, Jurina Chounthala, in an interview with KTLA. Authorities, determined to seek justice for Chounthala, are asking anyone with knowledge about the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 323-890-5500. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-8477.
