North Hollywood Woman Faces Murder Charge In Fatal Hit And Run

VAN NUYS, CA — A young North Hollywood woman faces life in prison for the hit and run death of a youth on a motor scooter last week.

Jessica Martinez, the 24-year-old driver of a red Audi A4 that allegedly slammed into a scooter waiting at a red light at at Vineland Avenue and Vanowen Street, is facing charges of murder and hit-and-run driving resulting in death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Martinez, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the two felony counts in the death of Anthony Eduardo Chay, 20, of Sun Valley. Chay was thrown from his scooter and died instantly. Martinez remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail pending her next court appearance June 25 in Van Nuys.

Martinez allegedly plowed into Anthony Eduardo Chay, 20, of Sun Valley, from behind at a high rate of speed while he waited June 6 at a stop light at Vineland Avenue and Vanowen Street, according to Deputy District Attorney Casey Higgins.

The red Audi A4 also collided with several parked vehicles along the curb, causing one of the parked vehicles to overturn, according to Los Angeles police.

Martinez walked off, but was followed by witnesses and taken into custody, police said.

She could face up to 19 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney's Office.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.