News Releases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that a 27-year-old Orange County man has been charged with murder in the death of 24-year-old nursing student Elyzza Guajaca at a street takeover on Christmas Day in Hyde Park.

“Ms. Guajaca was working toward a career dedicated to bringing comfort and care to people in our community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Her life ended because of a street takeover that benefitted no one and only brought heartache. We join Ms. Guajaca’s family and friends in mourning her death.

These street takeovers must stop. If you learn of such activities, I urge you to call law enforcement. I thank the Los Angeles Police officers who diligently investigated this case. We will work to hold accountable the person responsible for Ms. Guajaca’s death.”

Dante Terrel Chapple-Young (dob 8/12/95) is charged with one count of murder and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. It includes the special allegation that he used a deadly and dangerous weapon, his vehicle. He is charged in case BA511788.

Mr. Chapple-Young was arrested in New Mexico last week. He has waived extradition. No Los Angeles court date has been set.

It is alleged that Ms. Guajaca was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by Mr. Chapple-Young that ran into a crowd of bystanders on the evening of Dec. 25 near the intersection of Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.