Mother and Daughter Killed While Walking Dog Identified

Authorities today released the names of a woman and her mother who were killed, along with their dog, when an SUV hit them as they walked across a West Hills street.

Erica Botz, 31, and the dog died at the scene of the accident, which occurred about 8:20 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Jason Avenue.

Her mother, 69-year-old Pia Botz, died at a hospital, coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter said.

An SUV was being driven west on Roscoe when it struck the West Hills residents and their pet. The driver stopped at the scene and spoke to investigators, saying it was dark and he simply did not see the victims, police said. The motorist was not cited, with police calling the deaths "a tragic accident."

Some residents of the area told reporters that motorists often speed on Roscoe, and suggested that improvements -- such as a traffic light -- be made at the intersection to make it safer for people to cross.

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander, who represents the area, said he has asked the Department of Transportation to "offer up solutions to re-engineer and make sure it's a safe crossing."

Englander also urged the police department to step up its presence along the stretch in response to the complaints about speeders.

He said he opposes uncontrolled crosswalks that have lines painted on the ground that invite pedestrians to cross, but that have no lights or signs warning motorists to stop.

City News Service