A well-known rabbi is facing charges for deliberately hitting a Costco employee with his car in Ventura County, according to prosecutors who made the announcement on Monday.
Abba Avrohom Bryski, a 35-year-old educator from Agoura Hills, has been charged with felony murder in connection with the death of 28-year-old Nicholas Lang outside a Costco location in Camarillo, which is located northwest of Los Angeles. In addition to the murder charge, Bryski is also accused of resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer.
Emergency services responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle at a gas station on West Ventura Boulevard shortly after 8:30 p.m. on October 20.
The District Attorney’s Office stated that Bryski intentionally aimed his Infiniti Q60 coupe at Lang, who was working on pavement striping at the time. Lang was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he tragically passed away from his injuries.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko expressed the profound loss, stating, “His life was tragically cut short by an individual whose alleged actions demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life. We are committed to holding the defendant accountable and pursuing justice for the victim and his loved ones.”
Bryski appeared in court on Tuesday, but his arraignment has been postponed until November 18. Currently, he remains in custody without the possibility of bail.
Prosecutors didn’t provide details on the relationship between Bryski and Lang, and the investigation is still active.
Jail records indicate that Bryski is a rabbi and educator, and he is the son of Rabbi Moshe Bryski, the head of the Chabad of the Conejo. However, there’s been some dispute regarding his formal status in the Chabad-Lubavitch organization.
The deadly incident took place at a new retail warehouse that is set to open soon, while the adjacent gas station has been in operation since May.
In the wake of Lang’s passing, an obituary site has been created to honor him, allowing donations to plant a tree in his memory. This tree planting initiative is being coordinated by the Arbor Day Foundation, aimed at helping restore areas affected by the significant 2021 Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon.
His wife, Faith Miller, shared 25 photographs on the site, capturing cherished moments together, including pictures where Lang seems to be proposing and enjoying their time at a Disney-themed adventure park. One poignant comment from a visitor expressed hope that the planted tree would stand tall as a tribute to Lang’s kind spirit.
