A West Hollywood-based social media influencer was charged with murder and other counts stemming from an October traffic crash in Hollywood that killed an 83-year-old woman, but the defendant is apparently hospitalized in a coma after a serious scooter accident.
According to court records, Garrett Bruno was charged Friday with murder, reckless driving with injuries and battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel. The reckless driving count includes an allegation of causing great bodily injury.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred around 4:40 p.m. Oct. 10 in the 7600 block of West Fountain Avenue, where two SUVs collided, with the force of the crash heavily damaging both vehicles and pushing one into a nearby parking garage.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials said at the time that two people had to be extricated from the wreckage.
Esther Abouab, 83, died at a hospital, according to the county medical examiner.
The Daily Mail reported that Abouab’s husband, Joe, suffered serious injuries but recovered, while Bruno was treated for less serious injuries.
No arrests were immediately made pending an investigation into the crash.
Just days later, Bruno — whose travel site has nearly 61,000 followers on Instagram — was photographed by the Daily Mail outside his home, appearing to snort a white powder from a small metal spoon. After the photo was circulated, Bruno contended on Instagram that the powder was ketamine, for which he had a prescription to treat depression and anxiety, the Daily Mail reported. He also expressed regret for Abouab’s death, while noting that the crash was still under investigation.
According to the Daily Mail, Bruno suffered a severe head injury on Oct. 25 when he crashed a scooter he was riding without a helmet. A source told the publication Bruno remains hospitalized in grave condition, with his parents by his side.
Authorities were apparently unaware of his condition until they went to his home last week to arrest him, and were told about the scooter crash by Bruno’s ex-boyfriend, the Daily Mail reported.