Hit-run driver arrested in Torrance 3-car crash that left teen dead

Thursday, March 9, 2017
TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities arrested a driver Thursday who fled the scene of a three-car crash that left a 16-year-old high school baseball player dead in Torrance.

Darryl Hicks, a 28-year-old Los Angeles resident, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving and felony hit-and-run.
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A father and his 16-year-old son, Jesse Esphorst Jr., were attempting to make a left turn from southbound Crenshaw Boulevard onto eastbound Crest Road Tuesday night when they were hit by two cars.

A silver 2004 Audi A6 and black 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 both ran a red light, crashing into the victims' van. The driver of the Mercedes stayed at the scene, but the Audi driver - later identified as Hicks - fled the scene, according to police.

Authorities said the Audi and Mercedes-Benz drivers were involved in a minor collision in Rancho Palos Verdes earlier that day. The Audi driver had fled the scene with the Mercedes following close behind before the deadly crash.
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The Mercedes driver, Tung Ming, 21, of Palos Verdes, remained at the scene and was treated for his injuries before being arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

The teen's 47-year-old father, also named Jesse Esphorst, remains in the hospital in stable condition.

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