Driver faces charges in Malibu hit-and-run fatality

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LA County Sheriffs

Jill Rose, the driver suspected of striking and killing a tow truck driver in Malibu on Feb. 11, is expected to surrender Thursday to the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Dept., Sgt. Phil Brooks of the Malibu/Lost Hills station said.

Rose, 44, of Santa Monica faces one count of felony hit-andrun and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, “for now,” Brooks said. The charges could change pending the outcome of toxicology test results. Under the California Penal Code, felony hit-and-run is punishable by up to four years in a state prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000. Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter is punishable by up to one year in a county jail.

Rose is suspected of fatally striking 45-year-old tow truck driver Ron Carver while he assisted a disabled car on the eastbound side of Pacific Coast Highway and John Tyler Drive near Pepperdine University on the night of Feb. 11. She allegedly fled the scene and crashed into a parked car two miles east near the Malibu Pier.

Detectives are still investigating whether Rose was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time she crashed into the parked vehicle. They most likely won’t know until toxicology tests are completed, officials said.

Brooks was unsure what, if any, additional charges Rose would face given that investigators are still working on the case.

“[The charges] may change on Thursday [Feb. 28],” Brooks said.

Authorities waited to file charges against Rose while she recuperated in the hospital from head trauma she sustained the night of the accident. She remains in rehab for her injuries. Rose’s lawyer is expected to accompany her when she surrenders. She is expected to immediately post bail, Brooks said.

Deputies responded to a call around 9 p.m. that evening reporting that a grey or silver vehicle had struck a man on PCH near John Tyler Drive and driven away from the scene. Carver, a Newbury Park resident who worked for Platinum Tow and Transport of Camarillo, was assisting a disabled vehicle when the accident occurred. Responding deputies pronounced Carver dead at the scene.

A short time later, the Sheriff’s department also received calls that a car matching the hit-andrun description had crashed into a parked vehicle near the Malibu Pier. Carver’s family has reportedly received numerous donations since Carver’s death.

Carver’s memorial service was held Feb. 16 in Newbury Park, according to an obituary published in the Ventura County Star. He is survived by his wife Kristy, two daughters, Tessa Lynn, and Alexia Nicole and one son, Aidan Thomas, according to the Star.

“Ron was an avid Volkswagen and car enthusiast. He was always willing to help anyone and never met a stranger,” the obituary stated.