Two individuals have been taken into custody by the Riverside County Sheriffs Office in relation to a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Southern California man. Suspects, identified as Brody Aaron Bird, 20, and Amber Lauren Lievanos, 20, are both residents of Lake Elsinore.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when the victim, Josh Nichols, 44, was walking home with his dog after a night out. Nichols was hit by a vehicle on Riverside Drive, west of Baker Street in Lake Elsinore. Responding deputies found Nichols severely injured and lying facedown on the street. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the location.
The driver responsible for the hit-and-run had fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies. Preliminary descriptions suggested the vehicle involved was likely dark-colored with front-end damage. With assistance from the public, investigators were able to gather sufficient details to identify a suspect.
On February 20, 2025, deputies sighted the suspected vehicle leaving a Lake Elsinore residence and conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of one suspect, Bird. Lievanos, the second suspect, was identified later and apprehended on the same day.
Upon questioning, both Bird and Lievanos were transferred to the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Lievanos stands accused of vehicular manslaughter, while Bird has been charged as an accessory after the fact.
The sequence of events leading to the crash and Nichols death remains uncertain. One theory proposed by Nichols friends suggests the possibility that Nichols may have been attempting to retrieve his dog, Woodson, who had broken free from his leash when he was hit. The dog is currently reported missing.
Nichols leaves behind a young child and numerous friends and family mourning his loss. An online fundraiser has been organized to assist his family with funeral costs. Case details remain sparse as the investigation is ongoing. The Riverside Sheriffs Dispatch and the Lake Elsinore Sheriffs Station have asked anyone with additional information about the case to make contact.
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