The Los Angeles Police Department is intensifying its manhunt for 24-year-old Cierra Danae Whitaker, the woman suspected of a fatal high-speed hit-and-run in South Los Angeles that claimed the life of 25-year-old Emerson Noel Escobar Gonzalez earlier this summer. According to KTLA, the collision took place on July 5 at the intersection of 91st and Figueroa Streets, where Gonzalez's vehicle was struck by a Porsche sedan allegedly driven by Whitaker at nearly 100 miles per hour.
Footage shows that after the crash, Whitaker and two female passengers exited the Porsche, retrieved items from the car, and fled on foot, abandoning the vehicle. Bystanders rushed to aid Gonzalez and recorded Whitaker leaving the scene, despite urging her to stay. The video also shows Whitaker becoming confrontational with those filming, in a statement obtained by CBS News.
A reward of $50,000 for information leading to Whitaker's arrest was announced on Sept. 4, as authorities believe she frequents areas of Orange County and Las Vegas. Moreno detailed to KTLA, "This lady is a known prostitute who works the area over there in Los Angeles on the Figueroa corridor." Moreno added that the victim’s family is “absolutely devastated,” adding that their grief is compounded by knowing the suspects remain at large.
As the LAPD intensifies its efforts, officials are asking for the public’s help in locating Whitaker. They have circulated video evidence from the scene and emphasized her known ties to Southern California and Nevada. Anyone with information about her whereabouts or the case is urged to contact the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
