Sgt. Deng had stopped to provide emergency aid to Garcia when they were both struck and killed by the speeding driver last year
June 30, 2026 – LOS ANGELES, CA – The speeding driver who struck on-duty Los Angeles Police 
Department Sgt. Shiou Lih Deng and stranded motorist Jesús Arturo Garcia on the 405 Freeway last year has been charged with murder in the deaths of both men. Sgt. Deng was 53 years old and had served the LAPD for over 26 years.
“This case is a tragic reminder that police officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I extend my deepest condolences to Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia’s family and loved ones. Sgt. Deng spent half his life serving the public with bravery and selflessness as an LAPD officer. His death is a profound loss to the LAPD community and Los Angeles. Mr. Garcia, only 34 years old, was devoted to his family and, like all Angelenos, deserved to make it home safely after a long shift at work.
"I want to emphasize that speeding kills. If you drive over 100 mph and kill someone, you are on a fast-track to a murder charge. I thank the California Highway Patrol for their thorough and diligent work in bringing justice to the families.”
“This was a complex investigation, completed by the California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, which took just under a year to complete,” said California Highway Patrol Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris. “Our hearts remain with the families, friends, and colleagues of LAPD Sergeant Shiou Deng and Mr. Jesus Garcia who lost their lives. We hope this report provides answers and reflects the California Highway Patrol’s unwavering commitment to a thorough, objective investigation.”
“Sergeant Deng dedicated his life to serving others, and on that tragic morning, he made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “Our thoughts remain with his family and all those who loved him. I want to thank the California Highway Patrol investigators whose dedication and persistence led to today’s arrest. We also appreciate the partnership of the District Attorney’s Office as this case moves through the judicial process. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice while honoring Sergeant Deng’s extraordinary legacy of service.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom Honors Fallen Los Angeles Police Sergeant Shiou Deng
Mario Joseph Bickham (36) of Hawthorne was charged with two felony counts of second-degree murder.
At approximately 1:54 a.m. on June 23, 2025, Jesús Garcia, 34, was driving home from work on I-405 south when his pickup truck was struck by an unknown driver near the Getty Center just before the Sunset Boulevard exit. As a result, Garcia’s vehicle became disabled, blocking the HOV lane and the adjacent traffic lane.
A few minutes later, at approximately 2:01 a.m., Sgt. Deng saw the disabled truck and Garcia. To aid a stranded motorist who was in a particularly vulnerable position, Sgt. Deng activated his emergency lights and stopped his marked Los Angeles Police Department patrol car. The emergency lights remained on throughout the incident. Sgt. Deng got out of his vehicle to assist Garcia.
At approximately 2:04 a.m., the defendant, driving his sedan alone in the HOV lane, slammed into Sgt. Deng’s LAPD patrol vehicle, the disabled truck, Sgt. Deng and Garcia. It is alleged that five seconds before the crash, defendant was driving at 112.5 mph. Sgt. Deng and Garcia died from the impact, and the defendant sustained serious injuries.
The speed limit in this section of the highway was clearly posted as 65 mph.
An arraignment date was expected to be set on Monday afternoon. The prosecution is requesting the Court deny bail or in the alternative set bail at the scheduled amount of $4 million.
If convicted as charged, Bickham faces up to 15 years to life in state prison for each victim.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eric Siddall of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
The charges in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
