Hannah Star Esser: Californian woman runs over man killing him after suspecting he was a cat-killer
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: On Tuesday, September 27, Hannah Star Esser was accused of murdering of Victor Anthony Luis by Orange County prosecutors. Esser, 20, allegedly ran over Luis, 43, in Cypress with her Honda Civic after seeing what she believed was the attempted killing of a cat, according to the prosecution.
Prosecutors claim that on September 25, Sunday night, while Esser was driving close to Oak Knoll Park, she believed she observed a man attempting to run over a cat with an SUV. She allegedly approached the man while filming her foul-mouthed outburst on her cellphone. Esser and Luis stepped out of their automobiles during the argument in the 9700 block of Graham Street at about 8.30 pm. According to a news statement from the prosecution, Esser got back in her car, "made a U-turn, accelerated and drove directly at" Luis.
READ MORE
Prosecutors claim that she hit him with the right front of her car, sending him flying into the hood and windshield before flipping multiple times and landing in the street. At the scene, he was declared dead. Later that evening, Cypress officers arrested Esser.
Both Esser's cellphone video and CCTV footage from surrounding homes are being examined by the prosecution. Family members claim that Luis passed away in front of the apartment building where he resided. They issued a statement through a spokesperson, Tony Ferguson, and are raising money for burial costs.
"We are devastated by the loss of Victor, a beloved father of five daughters, a treasured son, brother, friend, and cousin. This senseless act of violence has robbed the world of a bright light who will never be forgotten," the statement by family members read. Angelica Moraga, the fundraiser's organizer, wrote the following in the statement, "On Sunday September 25th, we lost Victor Anthony Luis in a tragic and senseless act of violence. He was a gentle soul as well as a loving son, father, and brother who did not deserve this. He leaves behind a loving family and 5 daughters. Any help will go towards his funeral expenses and family."
Esser could receive a sentence ranging from 25 years to life if found guilty. The prosecution believes she didn't know Luis. Todd Spitzer, the district attorney for Orange County, described the incident as "a random act of violence targeting a stranger" and said, "This action showed a complete disregard for human life." Esser is being held in custody on a $1 million bail and will be charged on October 13.