Three people were killed and as many as nine others were injured when a driver ran a red light, striking a group of pedestrians exiting a church’s children’s Christmas pageant on Wednesday, December 17th. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. outside St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach. The deceased victims have been identified as Saeko Matsumura, 87, Mary Wilson, 81, and Martha Garza, 36, all of Torrance.
Authorities believe that a white sedan traveling north on Pacific Coast Highway, driven by Margo Bronstein, 56, approached vehicles stopped at a red light at the intersection of PCH and Vincent Street. Pedestrians filled the crosswalk. According to authorities, Bronstein drove around the vehicles stopped at the red light and entered the crosswalk, striking 12 individuals, including five children, at a high rate of speed, before striking another vehicle. Three of the victims were killed, and at least two other victims, one adult and one child, were in critical condition from head injuries Thursday morning.
Bronstein was arrested on suspected felony DUI and suspected vehicular manslaughter charges. She was treated for injuries at a local hospital before being transported to the Redondo Beach Police Department’s jail. Authorities do not believe alcohol was a factor, but prescription drug use is suspected. The incident remains under investigation.
