LONG BEACH, Calif.—An ex-con convicted of second-degree murder for fleeing from police in a stolen van and striking an SUV, killing a local dog walker and five of the six canines she was transporting, was sentenced to 49 years to life in prison Oct. 18.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Richard Goul said the case of Javier Olivarez Jr. was “highly disturbing,” noting that the defendant made a series of choices, including engaging in a high-speed chase, and continuing to travel at high speed even after a Long Beach police officer abandoned the pursuit.
