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Henry Michael Gevorgyan, 21, was also charged with engaging
in a motor vehicle speed contest causing injury for his role in
the race on Thursday when his Ford Mustang struck three people,
killing two, in the suburb of Chatsworth in the San Fernando
Valley.
"We do not believe he was the driver, but he was involved in
participating in the race," said Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman
for the District Attorney's Office.
The two deaths highlighted the dangers associated with street
racing, an underground practice that has for years been a
sometimes deadly occurrence on Los Angeles streets.
Gevorgyan turned himself into police on Saturday after they
publicly named him and said he was sought in connection with the
racing deaths.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and engaging in
street racing at a court appearance on Tuesday and was held on
bail of just over $2 million, Santiago said. He is due back in
court on March 11.
Gevorgyan's attorney, Katherine Hardie, told local television
station KTLA on Monday that her client was not the driver of the
Mustang.
She pointed to a video taken at the scene that she said showed
Gevorgyan standing at the starting line as the two cars took
off. The darkly lit video appeared to show a man turning on a
flashlight as the two drivers began their race, and according to
KTLA, Gevorgyan's attorneys say he is that man and was signaling
the start of the contest.
Hardie did not immediately return a call or email seeking
comment on Tuesday.
Los Angeles police spokesman Officer Jack Richter said
investigators are still seeking other people in connection with
the deadly incident. The two spectators who were killed have
been identified as Eric Siguenza, 26, and Wilson Thomas Wong,
50.
(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and
Eric Walsh)
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