"An El Monte man was charged with two counts of murder Monday, accused of causing a fatal car wreck that killed two people last week, including an Alhambra police officer. Steven Zapata, 27, could face at least 80 years in prison if convicted of killing 28-year-old officer Alec Sanders and a second victim, 42-year-old Gabriela Moreno, according to a criminal complaint."
"Zapata is accused of driving a stolen Hyundai sport utility vehicle and fleeing city police when he slammed into Sanders' police cruiser around 3 a.m. near Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol, which investigated the wreck. Sanders was taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center in Boyle Heights, where he succumbed to his injuries, authorities said. Moreno, who was riding in the stolen vehicle, was ejected upon impact and died at the scene, according to police."
"Deputy Dist. Atty. Eric Siddall, who is trying the case, said Sanders was one of several officers who had just received a call to aid in the chase when the deadly crash happened. Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy told reporters last week that Sanders had been with the department for about eight months and had previously served with the Long Beach Police Department."
Steven Zapata, 27, was charged with two counts of murder and could face at least 80 years in prison for causing a crash that killed 28-year-old Alhambra Officer Alec Sanders and 42-year-old passenger Gabriela Moreno. Zapata allegedly drove a stolen Hyundai SUV and fled from police before slamming into Sanders' police cruiser around 3 a.m. near Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive. Sanders was transported to Los Angeles General Medical Center and later died; Moreno was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Zapata was seriously injured and remains hospitalized; his court appearance is expected next week. Prosecutors say Sanders had been among officers responding to the chase.
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