In the early hours of February 14, the streets of St. Louis, Missouri became the scene of a devastating accident that claimed the lives of a mother and her young daughter.
Laticha Bracero, 42, and her daughter Alyssa Cordova, 21, from Chicago, Illinois, had traveled to St. Louis to attend a Drake concert at the Enterprise Center, a night that was supposed to be filled with joy and music.
According to police reports and local news coverage, the fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight when a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 22-year-old Monte Henderson, sped through the city streets, blatantly running two red lights. The vehicle’s reckless trajectory began with it sideswiping a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander, which caused the Jeep to spin out of control.
It was during this chaotic spin that Bracero and Cordova, who were crossing the street within a marked pedestrian walkway, were struck with lethal force. The Jeep’s rampage didn’t stop there; it continued to collide with another vehicle, further adding to the night’s carnage.
Captain Angela Dickerson from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Service stated that the mother and daughter had the right-of-way when they were struck and propelled onto the northern pavement of Olive Street.
Bracero was pronounced dead at the scene, while Cordova succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to the hospital. The accident also left four additional individuals injured, including two teenagers.
The driver, Henderson, was among the injured and has been hospitalized since the incident. Charges have been swift and severe, reflecting the gravity of the consequences of his actions. Henderson faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of armed criminal action.
Speeding in downtown St. Louis has been an ongoing problem that has seen various solutions proposed, including the re-introduction of automated traffic cameras. The local community and officials are once again faced with the urgent need to address road safety, in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
Bracero, remembered as a dedicated bank supervisor, and Cordova, a college student who worked part-time and cherished attending concerts with her mother, are mourned by their family. Their bond was evident in their shared love for music and adventure. Friends, family, and even strangers have been moved by their story, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe page to support the bereaved family in their time of need.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones expressed her condolences and highlighted the accident as a painful reminder of the critical need for enhanced street safety measures. The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is considering legislation to address these concerns, with proposals ranging from increased police presence to the implementation of technological solutions aimed at curbing reckless driving.
