A driver, Mario Bickham, 36, from Los Angeles, has been charged with second-degree murder following a crash that resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a Whole Foods employee. This tragic incident occurred on June 23, 2025, on the heavily trafficked Highway 405.
The announcement of the charges was made by Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman. It was reported that Bickham was speeding—driving over 112 mph—when he collided with Sgt. Xiu Deng, who was attending to Jesus Garcia, the 34-year-old Whole Foods employee, after he had been rear-ended by another vehicle.
Chief Jim McDonnell stated that Deng, a veteran officer with 26 years on the force, was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a hospital, while Garcia was declared dead at the scene.
McDonnell expressed that this was a preventable tragedy, significantly caused by a blatant disregard for public safety.
Bickham, who works for the Department of Homeland Security, has been reported to frequently post on social media, showcasing a lifestyle that includes nightlife and personal fitness. Unfortunately, his driving history includes multiple speeding citations, with two instances of exceeding 100 mph. Interestingly, he had failed to appear in court for speeding charges on several occasions, including one just the month prior to the fatal crash.
Following the incident, Bickham himself sustained leg injuries and decided to launch an online fundraiser, aiming to cover $5,000 for medical expenses and to replace his car. His friend organized the GoFundMe, which has since generated $1,820 from 27 contributions.
The fundraising page claims Bickham’s spirits are still high despite these setbacks. However, it’s worth noting that while other drivers managed to avoid the crash due to the flashing emergency lights on Deng’s vehicle, Bickham continued to accelerate dangerously.
Authorities apprehended Bickham Monday morning while he was moving toward his car. Prosecutors plan to argue for him to be held without bail at his upcoming arraignment.
Reflecting on the broader implications of such reckless driving, Hochman pointed out that they have pursued similar murder charges against speeding drivers in the past, reinforcing the idea that excessive speed can lead to tragic consequences.
“If you choose to drive at such high speeds, you’re on a direct path to a tragic outcome,” Hochman cautioned.
