Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Long Beach Hit-and-Run Crash

The driver fled the scene after running a red light, leading to the death of a 78-year-old woman.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mario Jesus Escobar Acosta, 59, of Woodland, California, was sentenced to two years in prison for a hit-and-run crash in Long Beach that killed a 78-year-old woman, Nikki Rash, in December 2024. Acosta ran a red light at the intersection of California Avenue and San Antonio Drive, crashed into Rash's vehicle, and then fled the scene. Rash died nine days later from her injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run crashes, which can lead to tragic loss of life. It also raises questions about the adequacy of sentencing for such crimes and the need for stronger laws and enforcement to hold drivers accountable when they flee the scene of an accident.

The details

According to prosecutors, on December 26, 2024, Acosta ran a red light at the intersection of California Avenue and San Antonio Drive in Long Beach, crashing into Nikki Rash's vehicle. Acosta then fled the scene. Rash, a 78-year-old woman, died nine days later on January 4, 2025, from injuries sustained in the crash. Acosta was later arrested on January 26 by the U.S. Marshals Service in Sacramento and pleaded no contest to a felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious injury.

  • The crash occurred on December 26, 2024.
  • Nikki Rash died on January 4, 2025, nine days after the crash.
  • Acosta was arrested on January 26 by the U.S. Marshals Service.
  • Acosta pleaded no contest on January 30, 2026.
  • Acosta was sentenced on February 20, 2026.

The players

Mario Jesus Escobar Acosta

A 59-year-old man from Woodland, California, who was sentenced to two years in prison for the hit-and-run crash that killed Nikki Rash.

Nikki Rash

A 78-year-old woman who died nine days after being injured in the hit-and-run crash caused by Acosta.

Foster Rash

The husband of Nikki Rash, the victim in the hit-and-run crash.

Judith McCaughey

The sister of Nikki Rash, the victim in the hit-and-run crash.

Andrew Lesser

The president of Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue, where Nikki Rash was an active volunteer.

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What they’re saying

“Two years in jail is not enough punishment for what you have done. ... Now Nikki is dead because of your reckless driving.”

— Foster Rash, Husband of the victim

“I'm just here to see what's going to happen.”

— Judith McCaughey, Sister of the victim

“... I hope you never do this to anybody again, sir.”

— Andrew Lesser, President of Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mario Jesus Escobar Acosta out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger laws and enforcement to hold drivers accountable when they flee the scene of an accident, especially when it leads to loss of life. It also highlights the devastating impact such crimes can have on victims' families and the community.