Woman Pleads In LAPD Motorcycle Officer's Death

PACOIMA (CBSLA.com) — A woman accused of ramming her SUV into an LAPD motorcycle officer in Sun Valley pleaded not guilty Friday to murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Qaneak Shaney Cobb, 33, struck Officer Christopher Cortijo's motorcycle on April 5 while he was stopped at a red light at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street, according to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office.

Cortijo, 51, died of his injuries four days later.

Thousands of law enforcement members joined loved ones at Cortijo's funeral, where Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti called the fallen officer a "guardian angel" of the city. Cortijo, who had served as a Marine, was twice named officer of the year. He had made more than 3,000 DUI arrests.

Cobb was initially charged with driving under the influence of a drug causing injury, which was since been replaced counts of murder and manslaughter, along with a count of cocaine possession. Police say Cobb previously has been convicted of drug possession and grand theft.

The suspect is due back in court July 10. If convicted, Cobb could face 25 years to life in prison, the District Attorney's Office said.

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