- Mario Joseph Bickham, 36, charged with two counts of murder for deaths of LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and Jesus Garcia on June 23, 2025.
- Bickham was allegedly driving 112 mph on the 405 Freeway near the Getty Center when he struck Deng and Garcia.
- Prosecutors cite Bickham's history of excessive speeding, including a prior citation for 105 mph a month before the crash.
- Deng, a 26-year LAPD veteran, was helping Garcia after a hit-and-run when the collision occurred.
- If convicted, Bickham faces up to life in prison; bail is set at $4 million or denied.
On June 29, 2026, prosecutors charged Mario Joseph Bickham with two counts of murder for a high-speed crash on the 405 Freeway that killed LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and motorist Jesus Garcia. The incident occurred in June 2025, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving in Los Angeles County.
Details of the Crash
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Bickham was driving at 112 mph near the Getty Center exit around 2 a.m. on June 23, 2025. He struck Deng, who had stopped to assist Garcia after a hit-and-run. Garcia's vehicle was disabled in the HOV lane. Despite 33 other vehicles safely passing the scene, Bickham's high speed made it impossible to avoid the collision. He braked seconds before impact, but it was too late.
Victim Profiles
Sgt. Shiou Deng, 53, was a 26-year veteran of the LAPD, primarily serving in the Mental Evaluation Unit. He is survived by his wife, stepdaughter, and elderly parents, whom he cared for. Jesus Garcia, 34, was returning home from his shift at Whole Foods in Woodland Hills when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver, who remains unidentified.
Prosecutor's Case
District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized Bickham's history of excessive speeding, including a 105 mph citation a month before the crash. Bickham had also been involved in multiple accidents since 2014 and failed to attend traffic school or court hearings. “This is not an individual who all of a sudden woke up one day and this was the first time he ever hit a speed over 100 miles per hour,” Hochman said. The CHP reconstructed the crash, confirming Bickham's speed.
Local California Context
The crash occurred on the southbound 405 Freeway in the Bel-Air area of Los Angeles, a notoriously congested route. The LAPD and CHP have since increased enforcement on the 405, but this tragedy underscores the risks of speeding in Los Angeles County. Deng's death has deeply affected the West L.A. station, where he was remembered as a dedicated officer.
Legal Proceedings
Bickham was arrested at his home in Hawthorne on June 29, 2026. He faces two counts of second-degree murder, with a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison per count. The court has set bail at $4 million or denied it, citing the severity of the case. His first court appearance is pending.
Conclusion
This case highlights the consequences of reckless driving in California. Bickham's alleged disregard for speed laws led to a preventable tragedy. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and a hardworking motorist, while authorities push for justice.