Two individuals, namely Brody Aaron Bird and Amber Lauren Lievanos, both 20 years of age and residents of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, have been apprehended in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident. The victim, 44-year-old Josh Nichols, a local of Southern California, was fatally hit while he was out walking with his dog. The incident occurred on Riverside Drive, west of Baker Street in Lake Elsinore in the early hours of February 18.
Upon their arrival, deputies discovered Mr. Nichols injured and lying prone on the street, and he was declared deceased at the scene. The unidentified driver had absconded before the arrival of law enforcement officials. The vehicle was described merely as a dark-colored car possibly having sustained some form of frontal damage.
With assistance from the public, sufficient information was compiled enabling investigators to identify probable suspects. On February 20, the alleged vehicle was sighted leaving a Lake Elsinore residence. Deputies carried out a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Bird. Lievanos was identified and apprehended later the same day.
Upon interviewing the suspects, Bird and Lievanos were subsequently booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Charges against Lievanos included vehicular manslaughter, while Bird was charged as an accessory after the fact. Further investigation surrounds the events leading to the deadly crash, but it is believed that Mr. Nichols dog, Woodson, who remains unaccounted for, may have been involved. Mr. Nichols, lovingly spoken of as a kind individual and known for selflessly providing his support to those he could help, is survived by his young child, friends, and extended family. The case remains open and under investigation, with no additional details immediately available.
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