This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
2 men charged with Lake View Terrace child's murder
SAN FERNANDO — Murder charges were filed today against two men in connection with the death of a 6-year-old girl who was struck by an out-of-control sedan during a police chase in Lake View Terrace last week.
Aaron Esqueda Rojas, 32, and Juaquin Hiriarte, 24, are scheduled to be arraigned June 28 at the San Fernando Courthouse.
The two are charged in the death of Kayla Woods, who was playing with friends in the 11900 block of Fenton Avenue when she was struck by the red sedan about 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Rojas was behind the wheel, and Hiriarte was tossing guns from the car as police pursued the suspects, prosecutors allege.
Officers who saw a drug deal near Foothill and Van Nuys boulevards began chasing the men, according to police.
Rojas ran from the scene of the crash, but was found hiding two hours later in a trash can, authorities said. Police used a Taser and a dog to subdue Rojas, who was bitten by the dog, according to police.
Along with murder, Rojas and Hiriarte are charged with evading an officer causing death, being a felon with a concealed firearm in a vehicle and carrying a loaded firearm with a prior conviction, according to Deputy District Attorney Louis Avila.
Sponsored message
A third man in the vehicle, Manuel Araujo Ydiarte, 49, was charged with possession for sale of heroin. He is also set to be arraigned June 28.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
