Two individuals have been arrested in the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 44-year-old Joshua Nichols in Southern California. Brody Aaron Bird and Amber Lauren Lievanos, both 20-year-old residents of Lake Elsinore, are now facing serious charges due to the fatal event that occurred on Tuesday, as reported by KTLA. Initially, with limited information at hand, authorities were seeking a dark-colored vehicle with notable front-end damage,
Significant progress was made through the collaboration of the Riverside Sheriff's Lake Elsinore Traffic Team and the public's input. The decisive moment came on Thursday, Feb. 20, when deputies performed a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving a local residence that matched the description of the suspect's car. Bird was apprehended at the scene, and shortly afterward, Lievanos was taken into custody. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, both were transported to the Cois Byrd Detention Center, with Lievanos booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter and Bird for accessory after the fact.
The circumstances leading up to Nichols' death are not entirely clear. Friends speculate that his dog, Woodson, may have broken free leading Nichols into harm's way while attempting to recover his pet. As per KTLA, Nichols was found lying face down on the street and was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind a young child, and a GoFundMe page has since been set up to aid his family with funeral expenses. Notably, Woodson remains missing, and the investigation is still ongoing.
