Teenager Charged With Murder In Boyle Heights Carjacking

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 17-year-old boy was charged on Wednesday in the theft of a vehicle and killing of a man in Boyle Heights.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Jorge Ruiz was charged with one count each of murder and carjacking, along with the special circumstance allegation that the murder occurred during a carjacking. He was charged as an adult.

Prosecutors explained Oscar Perez, 19, was involved in a collision Nov. 23 with another vehicle.

While attempting to get the other driver's information, Ruiz entered Perez's car.

Officials explained Perez managed to hang onto the the driver's side door as Ruiz sped away at a high rate of speed for about a half-mile.

Ruiz then crashed the car into a building, and the vehicle erupted in flames.

Officers said Perez died at the scene and Ruiz suffered major injuries.

If convicted, Ruiz faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole; however, he is not eligible for the death penalty.

His arraignment will be scheduled at a later time, the District Attorney's Office explained.