Supervisor Seeks $10,000 Reward In 'Hit & Run Death' Of USC Student

On Tuesday, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the hit-and-run that killed a USC student and seriously injured another student early Sunday in Exposition Park.

Adrianna Bachan and fellow USC freshman Marcus Garfinkle were in a crosswalk on Jefferson Street at Hoover Street about 3 a.m. Sunday March 29, when a vehicle – described by witnesses as a black or charcoal Honda Accord, Lexus or Toyota Corolla – ran a red light and struck them in the intersection.

Immediately following the impact, the driver stopped the car long enough for the passenger to get out and pull Garfinkle off the hood of the car before fleeing the scene. The two were taken to California Hospital Medical Center, where Bachan died of massive head trauma and Garfinkle was in stable, but serious condition after undergoing surgery. He reportedly suffered broken legs and a broken arm.

“The perpetrators of this heinous crime have eluded capture and LAPD detectives are asking those who may have any information on their possible identity and whereabouts to come forward, so that they may be brought to justice,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.

Bachan, 19, of Santa Barbara, lost her life in the incident. She was a freshman majoring in environmental studies and a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Garfinkle is an undecided freshman from Scottsdale, Ariz., and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

“Adrianna had a bright future and she will be missed by her family, classmates, and sorority sisters. The entire USC campus is mourning her death,” the Supervisor added. “Marcus’ life will be changed forever and he has a long road of recovery ahead of him. “

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas urged anyone with information about the car or driver to call the LAPD South Traffic Division at (213) 485-7336.