Winnetka, California (December 29, 2025) — A 12-year-old boy, Louis Powell Jr., was killed early Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver in the Winnetka neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Incident Details: The collision occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Saticoy Street near Winnetka Avenue. Authorities said Louis Powell Jr. was walking outside of a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle. The impact caused fatal injuries, and the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police reported that the driver involved in the crash remained at the location following the collision and was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. The Medical Examiner released Powell’s identity later Monday night. No additional information regarding the driver or the vehicle involved has been publicly disclosed.
Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. In suspected DUI pedestrian fatalities, investigators typically focus on toxicology results, vehicle speed, and the driver’s perception and reaction time leading up to the impact. Because the collision occurred in the early morning hours, visibility, lighting conditions, and traffic patterns on Saticoy Street will likely be key areas of review.
Investigators are also expected to examine physical evidence from the scene, including debris, the point of impact, and vehicle damage, to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the collision. Even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, investigators assess whether the driver was traveling at a safe speed, maintaining a proper lookout, and capable of avoiding the collision absent impairment.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving suspected drunk drivers and child pedestrians represent some of the most devastating and preventable roadway tragedies. Driving under the influence significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and the ability to respond to unexpected hazards, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
For the family of Louis Powell Jr., the legal process cannot begin to measure the depth of their loss. In addition to potential criminal charges, the Powell family may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses and the profound emotional impact of losing a child. These claims are not about placing a value on a life, but about accountability when a preventable decision results in irreversible harm.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Louis Powell Jr. as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.
Source: KTLA News