Driver Charged in Death of Long Beach Teen Crushed by Car
Desean Edwards, a 40-year-old driver from Long Beach, California, has been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence following the death of 19-year-old Grace Edwards. The fatal incident occurred on November 2, 2025, when Edwards allegedly struck Grace with his Lexus sedan while backing out of a parking spot in a strip mall lot near Bellflower Boulevard and Stearns Street. Authorities cited distracted driving as a contributing factor to the crash, which happened in front of the victim's mother. Although Edwards remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators initially, he was arrested months later after charges were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In a poignant twist, Grace had recently discussed becoming an organ donor with her parents. Following the accident, her heart was donated to an eight-year-old child, fulfilling her wishes. Edwards has pleaded not guilty and was released on $75,000 bail. If convicted, he faces up to six years in state prison. The case highlights the devastating consequences of distracted driving and the enduring legacy of the victim through organ donation.
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Driver Charged in Death of Long Beach Teen Crushed by Car
Desean Edwards, a 40-year-old driver from Long Beach, California, has been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence following the death of 19-year-old Grace Edwards. The fatal incident occurred on November 2, 2025, when Edwards allegedly struck Grace with his Lexus sedan while backing out of a parking spot in a strip mall lot near Bellflower Boulevard and Stearns Street. Authorities cited distracted driving as a contributing factor to the crash, which happened in front of the victim's mother. Although Edwards remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators initially, he was arrested months later after charges were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In a poignant twist, Grace had recently discussed becoming an organ donor with her parents. Following the accident, her heart was donated to an eight-year-old child, fulfilling her wishes. Edwards has pleaded not guilty and was released on $75,000 bail. If convicted, he faces up to six years in state prison. The case highlights the devastating consequences of distracted driving and the enduring legacy of the victim through organ donation.
New York Post