Charges filed in Alondra Park-area hit-and-run death
Back in September, I wrote a story about a homeless man who was killed when a hit-and-run driver ran a red light and plowed into his truck in an intersection near Alondra Park.
Bill Cunha, 62, right, lived in his truck, but few people knew that.
He performed odd jobs at Faith Christian Center and enjoyed morning coffee every day with friends. The Army veteran was an avid Daily Breeze reader who enjoyed talking about the day’s events.
Sheriff’s deputies always knew the identity of the suspected hit-and-run driver. He ran from the scene, but left behind his car and cellular telephone.
Finally, after months of investigation, the suspect is due in court. Prosecutors have charged David Roberts, 29, of Compton with vehicular manslaughter.
Roberts is scheduled to appear Thursday at the Compton courthouse, where he must surrender before a judge.
A number of Cunha’s family and friends are expected to attend.
Denise will add Mr. Roberts to her Daily Breeze Court Tracker and begin following his case.
Bill Cunha, 62, right, lived in his truck, but few people knew that.
He performed odd jobs at Faith Christian Center and enjoyed morning coffee every day with friends. The Army veteran was an avid Daily Breeze reader who enjoyed talking about the day’s events.
Sheriff’s deputies always knew the identity of the suspected hit-and-run driver. He ran from the scene, but left behind his car and cellular telephone.
Finally, after months of investigation, the suspect is due in court. Prosecutors have charged David Roberts, 29, of Compton with vehicular manslaughter.
Roberts is scheduled to appear Thursday at the Compton courthouse, where he must surrender before a judge.
A number of Cunha’s family and friends are expected to attend.
Denise will add Mr. Roberts to her Daily Breeze Court Tracker and begin following his case.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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I'm a law enforcement officer from the south bay area. While I was going through the dailybreeze section 'blog', I noticed a picture of Bill. As I read the article, I was competely shocked and saddened. I would find Bill walking around the area picking up cans at around 4am or so. He and I would always chat about what's going on and what he was up to. He told me that he was looking forward to his disability payments and he was going to move out of the area. He talked about his struggles with alcohol and drugs, and how he's moved on and has been sober for a long time. I haven't seen Bill in a while and was wondering what happened to him. This is all just too bad. I'll miss our morning chats.
To John....thank you so very much for your nice comments about my Brother Bill. I am sorry you had to find out this way, he would have been proud to have you at his Memorial Service at Alondra Park to share your memories with us all. You will be glad to know, we had a huge gathering and My Sister Linda and I are so PROUD to call Bill our Brother. We have always known how special he was to so many people...but it is such a special honor to have friends like you share your memories with the world! Bill indeed left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
He is missed by so many people, what a tragic waste of another person's life because of the carelessness of another selfish person. I hope his Family has enjoyed their loved one everyday since he took Bill from us.
I miss my Brother.
This is more than just a story to me its about the life of a very special man.A special man that touched me and his life made me a better person. I would like to make a correction about Bill. Bill has plenty of family and Bill was not homeless my home is Bills home and Bills in a better place now. The law works it strainge ways and if you think about this story its not over yet justice will be served. And Sheila Bill is like a brother to me and I will be forever greatful you shared him with all of us
Tony