Juan Diego Valencia, who prosecutors say is a reputed gang member, pleaded not guilty to murder and evading police charges. His bail was set at $2,050,000.
On Thursday night, deputies tried to pull over Valencia in a green Mercury Cougar for a routine traffic stop in Lynwood, but he failed to stop.
During the chase, Valencia pulled over at Josephine Street and Harris Avenue and allegedly pushed a woman's body out and sped away. The victim, 24-year-old Selene Patricia Mayoral of Cudahy, had been shot once in the head and died at the scene, authorities said.
The pursuit continued down the 105 Freeway and ended in Hawthorne, where Valencia ditched his car and barricaded himself inside an apartment complex near Rosecrans Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, police said. He eventually surrendered at about 1:50 a.m. Friday and was taken into custody.
Valencia's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 2. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
