Los Angeles: On Sunday, December 19, 2004, at about 3:35 a.m., a double fatal traffic collision occurred on Gage Avenue between Central Avenue and Avalon Boulevard.

Jose Manuel Ordonez, a 26 year-old resident of Los Angeles was driving his 1989 Toyota Corolla eastbound on Gage Avenue. Mr. Ordonez drove across the dividing section and into the path of a 1990 Honda Accord traveling westbound on Gage Avenue, which was being driven by 23 year-old Laura Vanessa Martinez.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced both Mr. Ordonez and Ms. Martinez dead at scene. Martinez was driving four other family members, ages ranging from eight to 14 years old. The children were transported to UCLA Harbor Medical Center and are in stable condition.

The collision is under investigation and is being handled by Central Traffic Detectives. For further information, please contact Detective Meneses or Detective Padilla, at 213-972-1825. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-Hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.