Vehicle Assault Kills Unborn Baby and Seriously Injures Mother

Los Angeles:  A woman who was seven months pregnant was run down in broad daylight on Sunday morning.

On April 5, 2009, just before 10:30 a.m., Southeast Division Officers responded to an “ambulance traffic” radio call at 102nd Street and Towne Avenue.  

Witnesses at the scene heard the 24-year-old pregnant victim and the suspect argue prior to the incident.  During the investigation, the officers determined that the suspect, Monica Mercado, a 27-year-old, female Hispanic, was the woman who was seen driving the black Range Rover that struck the victim causing her serious injuries and the death of her unborn child.  

Later in the day, detectives conducted a follow up investigation to Mercado’s home; however, she was not there.  Hours later she walked into Newton Area Community Police Station and turned herself in.

Monica Mercado, a resident of Los Angeles, was booked for Attempt Murder of the adult victim and is being held on $500,000 bail.  Charges are pending for the death of the unborn infant.

The victim is listed in stable condition after undergoing surgery.  The victim’s boyfriend is the father of the unborn child and the suspect is his former girlfriend.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Southeast Division Detective Mark Hahn at 213-972-7813.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.