LONG BEACH – A woman charged in the death of a motorist will make her first court appearance on June 12 in a Long Beach courtroom.
Julie Afaq Haq, 31, is facing felony gross vehicular manslaughter charges while driving intoxicated in connection with the death of Rodger L. Watkins.
“We welcome all of those who either met or knew my Dad to attend [Haq’s] first hearing June 12 at 9:00 a.m. in Dept. 20 of the Long Beach Courthouse,” said his daughter Mariela.
Watkins was killed in a two-vehicle crash at Atlantic Avenue and Anaheim Street at about 11:50 p.m. Feb. 20 where he was found trapped inside a 2012 Ford Focus, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates that a 2012 Lexus IS250 was traveling north on Atlantic approaching Anaheim, while the Focus was traveling east on Anaheim approaching the intersection.
“The Lexus broadsided the Ford in the middle of the intersection causing the Ford to lose control,” police said. “The Ford struck a traffic signal light and an abandoned building on the northeast corner of the intersection. The Lexus lost control and struck a bus bench on the northeast corner of the intersection.”
Haq was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
“Speed, distracted driving, and impaired driving are being investigated as potential factors in this collision,” police added.