San Diego bigwig blames mosque shooting for horrific hit-and-run that killed bride-to-be
A San Diego County official has pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter after a tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old woman. Assmaa Elayyat, a deputy director with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, allegedly struck Katie Osorio at a bus stop, causing fatal injuries. Elayyat reportedly told investigators that she was distraught over the mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on the same day of the crash.
According to prosecutors, Elayyat’s car hit the bus stop with such force that it became stuck in a tree behind the stop. Despite confirming the damage to her car after the collision, Elayyat allegedly attempted to free her vehicle from the tree before nearly running over Osorio a second time and fleeing the scene. Police were able to track her down using license plate readers, and she initially tried to evade them before surrendering.
During questioning, Elayyat claimed she could not recall the collision but admitted she may have struck a sign. When pressed further, she cited distress over the mosque shooting as the reason for her behavior. However, Osorio’s family members criticized Elayyat’s excuse, stating that using a tragic event as a justification for her actions was unacceptable.
Elayyat is facing several charges, including vehicular manslaughter with special allegations of gross negligence. If convicted, she could face up to 11 years in prison. It is unclear if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash, but court records show that Elayyat had a previous misdemeanor DUI conviction in 2010. Osorio’s family described her as a young woman who was preparing to enroll in a nursing program and plan her wedding in December.
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, stating that their hearts go out to all who are grieving during this difficult time. The case has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for justice for Osorio and accountability for Elayyat’s actions.
