News Summary
Dante Terrel Chapple-Young has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after a reckless street takeover on Christmas Day led to the death of nursing student Elyzza Guajaca. Chapple-Young’s actions, which included illegal driving and fleeing the scene, have amplified concerns over rising street takeover incidents in Los Angeles County. Following his plea agreement, he expressed remorse and participated in a public service announcement, while advocates call for stricter penalties for street racing events.
Los Angeles – Dante Terrel Chapple-Young has been sentenced to 13 years in prison following a Christmas Day street takeover incident in 2022 that led to the death of a 24-year-old nursing student. Chapple-Young’s actions during this event, which involved reckless driving, have drawn attention to the growing issue of illegal street events in Los Angeles County.
The incident took place at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles. On December 25, 2022, Chapple-Young was seen doing “doughnuts” in his 2011 Chevrolet Camaro before losing control and crashing into a tow truck. The vehicle then struck a group of bystanders, including Elyzza Guajaca, who later died from blunt trauma after being transported to a hospital.
Following the crash, Chapple-Young fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. He was apprehended approximately two and a half weeks later in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon his return to Los Angeles County, he faced initial charges of murder and hit-and-run resulting in death. However, he later entered a plea of no contest on May 23 to reduced felony charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and assault with a deadly weapon, leading to the dismissal of the murder and hit-and-run charges.
In conjunction with his plea agreement, Chapple-Young acknowledged his actions that resulted in serious bodily injury to a second victim, who sustained a fractured ankle during the incident. He has since participated in a public service announcement, expressing remorse for his actions and advising others to avoid street takeovers.
Community Response and Victim’s Family
The victim’s family has voiced their anguish over the loss. Lorraine Guajaca, the victim’s mother, addressed the court during the sentencing, expressing her heartbreak and accusing Chapple-Young of showing remorse only after facing legal consequences. This sentiment highlights the emotional toll that such incidents take on the affected families.
Background on Street Takeovers in Los Angeles County
Street takeovers, characterized by illegal street racing and reckless driving, have seen a notable increase in Los Angeles County. Reports indicate that the number of these events has doubled from 2019 to 2020, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities. Local law enforcement struggles to manage these situations, with instances such as a recent takeover in front of the Crypto.com Arena, where no arrests or citations were made despite the participation of 40 to 50 vehicles.
In response to these rising incidents, Los Angeles County officials are considering a proposal to enhance penalties for participants involved in street takeovers. This proposed measure aims to double misdemeanor fines from $500 to $1,000 and to impose fines on individuals who organize or merely attend these illegal events. The movement for stricter penalties has gained traction, particularly from Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents an area significantly affected by street takeovers.
Local advocacy groups have also expressed concerns over the increase in street racing, pushing for measures to prevent future fatalities linked to these dangerous activities. They cite personal losses from incidents involving street racing and emphasize the urgent need for legislative action to mitigate the risks posed to the community.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Elyzza Guajaca serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal street events. As the legal system processes Chapple-Young’s case, ongoing discussions around preventive measures and community safety continue to take center stage in Los Angeles County.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Street Racing
- KTLA News
- Google Search: Los Angeles street takeovers
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: street takeover Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Street Racing
- OC Register
- Google News: Los Angeles street racing incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
