- Sgt. Shiou Deng of the LAPD died in June 2025 after being struck while trying to help a stranded motorist near Bel-Air.
- A Hawthorne man was arrested Monday on murder charges in connection with last year's deadly crash that claimed the life of an on-duty Los Angeles police officer and another driver.
- Bickham was traveling at more than 112 miles per hour before crashing into Sgt. Deng and Jesus Garcia, the driver Deng was trying to help, according to Chief Chris Margaris of the CHP's Southern Division.
- Bickham's speed was simply too great to avoid crashing into Sgt. Deng's patrol vehicle.
- Thirty-three cars from the time he turns on his lights to the time that Mr. Bickham shows up -- there are 33 cars that safely passed around Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia.
- Bickham had a history of driving recklessly as he was 'routinely cited' for excessive speed for the last 15 years.
- In May of 2025, he was cited by the California Highway Patrol for going over 105 miles an hour.
- He was given a citation to show up in court. He failed to appear as he had failed to appear on a number of his speeding citations.
- If convicted as charged, Bickham faces up to 15 years to life in state prison for each victim.
Sgt. Shiou Deng of the LAPD was killed in June 2025 while assisting a stranded motorist on the 405 Freeway. The driver, Bickham, has been charged with murder after traveling at speeds exceeding 112 miles per hour before crashing into Deng's patrol vehicle.136
According to Chief Chris Margaris of the CHP's Southern Division, Bickham's speed was too great to avoid the collision. Remarkably, 33 cars managed to pass safely around the scene before Bickham arrived.4
Bickham has a long history of reckless driving, having been cited for excessive speed over the past 15 years. In May 2025, he was cited for exceeding 105 miles per hour and failed to appear in court for multiple speeding violations.8
If convicted, Bickham faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in state prison for each victim involved in the crash, which also claimed the life of Jesus Garcia, the motorist Deng was trying to assist.
“A Hawthorne man has been arrested on murder charges related to the fatal crash that killed LAPD officer Sgt. Shiou Deng. The incident occurred in June 2025 when Deng was struck while assisting a stranded motorist.”
NBC Los Angeles
