Sunland Man Charged With Murder In Connection With Street Racing Crash

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Prosecutors Tuesday charged a Sunland man with murder in connection with a fatal street racing crash, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said in a written statement that Luis Tamayo Tapia faces one count of murder.

The charge stems from the Oct. 24, crash that claimed the life of Claudia Perez.

Authorities said the 38-year-old Perez was killed after her car struck a tree.

Prosecutors allege that she had engaged in a "speed contest" with the defendant, according to the statement.

Tapia faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in prison if convicted as charged.

He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.