A Hawthorne man was arrested Monday on murder charges in connection with last year’s deadly crash that claimed the life of an on-duty Los Angeles police officer and another driver.

Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was struck and killed along the 405 Freeway near Bel-Air in June 2025. Deng had stopped on the freeway to help a crash victim.

Shortly after Deng parked his patrol car with his emergency lights on in the HOV lane and stepped out of the vehicle to radio in for assistance, he and the stranded motorist were hit by another driver, 36-year-old Mario Joseph Bickham.

An investigation by the California Highway Patrol found that Bickham was traveling at more than 112 miles per hour before crashing into Sgt. Deng and Jesus Garcia, the driver Deng was trying to help, according to Chief Chris Margaris of the CHP’s Southern Division

“Dozens of vehicles safely recognized the hazard and passed the scene,” Margaris said. “Despite breaking second before impact, (Bickham’s) speed was simply too great to avoid crashing into Sgt. Deng’s patrol vehicle.”

Bickham was taken into custody Monday to face charges related to the deadly crash.

“(Deng’s) emergency lights were such that they could be seen from distances hundreds of yards away,” LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “Thirty-three cars from the time he turns on his lights to the time that Mr. Bickham shows up — there are 33 cars that safely passed around Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia.”

Hochman alleged Bickham had a history of driving recklessly as he was “routinely cited” for excessive speed for the last 15 years.

“In May of 2025, he was cited by the California Highway Patrol for going over 105 miles an hour,” Hochman said. “He was given a citation to show up in court. He failed to appear as he had failed to appear on a number of his speeding citations.”

The DA’s office sought no bail or $4 million bail for Bickham. Jail records showed Bickham was held on $2 million bond as of Monday afternoon.

Hochman said Bickham could be arraigned either Monday or Tuesday.

If convicted as charged, Bickham faces up to 15 years to life in state prison for each victim, according to the DA’s office.

Sergeant I Shiou Deng
EOW: June 23, 2025 pic.twitter.com/ISlLlhWA3L

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) June 23, 2025

After being struck by Bickham’s car, Deng was transported to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he died. Garcia, who had been on his way home after finishing his shift at a grocery store in Woodland Hills, died at the scene, according to the CHP.

Garcia had to initially pull over on the freeway after a hit-and-run driver disabled his car. Hochman said investigators still do not know the identity of the hit-and-run driver.

Deng, who was later laid to rest at Forest Lawn -Covina Hills Mausoleum in Covina, was remembered as a trusted leader and beloved colleague.

“He died a hero,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell last year. “He was out there helping others.”

Det. Victor Lopez, who knew Deng since meeting him at the LAPD Academy, described Deng’s humor as “next level.”

“He could actually be a comedian, that’s what I’ll miss most,” Lopez said. 

Lopez added that he “brought light” into a lot of situations, and was a very enjoyable person to be around.

Deng was survived by his wife and parents.