Mesa Resident Charged With Manslaughter In Fatal Collision
February 28, 2009
On
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, the Mesa Police Department
arrested 38-year-old Lea Scipione of Mesa on charges stemming
from a fatal collision which occurred at 80th Street and
University.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers were called to the scene of
a pedestrian involved traffic fatality at the intersection of
80th Street and University. A 63-year-old male subject,
identified as Milivoje Djordjevic, was struck while crossing the
crosswalk on the east side of the intersection. Witnesses stated
that he was crossing on a green light when a silver Honda Civic,
traveling westbound on University, ran through the red light and
struck Djordjevic, killing him. The witnesses were unable to
state whether the pedestrian was traveling northbound or
southbound, but evidence revealed that he was, in fact, in the
crosswalk and had a green indication.
The suspect vehicle, driven by 38-year-old Lea Scipione (seen
here in photo), skidded through the intersection after entering
on the red light. Investigation revealed that Scipione was under
the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs. Scipione's two
children, ages 6 and 2, were inside the vehicle during this
incident. During a search of the vehicle, investigators also
located what they believed to be a baggy of marijuana. She was
arrested and booked on one count of Manslaughter, two counts of
Aggravated DUI, and one count of Possession of Marijuana.