Crime & Safety

Driver in Australian's Street-Crossing Death Arraigned on Murder Charge

Police say the driver, a Westchester woman, was convicted 5 years ago in a traffic collision involving alcohol. In Los Angeles, she faces murder and vehicular manslaughter charges in the death of a tourist killed while crossing a Santa Monica street.

Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed felony murder and manslaughter charges against Cara Cameron, the driver accused in the death of an Australian tourist fatally struck while crossing Colorado Avenue in August.

Cameron, 26, of Westchester, entered a not guilty plea to one count of murder and one count of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated at her arraignment Sept. 21, according to the District Attorney's office. A judge set bail at $1 million. She posted bond the same day.

The police allege Cameron struck 50-year-old Gary Robert Mara on Aug. 24 in a crosswalk between Santa Monica Place and Sears. He was with his wife and young daughter, who was also hit and sustained minor injuries.

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Cameron had a green light while the family crossed against a red "don't walk" signal, said Santa Monica Police Department spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis.

Mara succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.

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In a statement Monday updating media about the case, the sergeant said Cameron had a prior conviction stemming from a traffic collision involving alcohol. The case was from 2007 was from outside Los Angeles. He later told Patch she had completed a DUI program in Alameda County.

Mara was one of three pedestrians killed in car crashes this summer in Santa Monica.

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