Los Angeles County is renewing public attention on a devastating Long Beach DUI crash that killed a father and his young daughter, as officials try to locate the suspect years after the incident. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously reestablished a $20,000 reward for information that helps lead to an arrest and conviction.
For families across Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles County area, this story is more than a headline—it’s a reminder of how quickly impaired driving can destroy lives, and how hard it can be to secure accountability when a driver allegedly flees. It also raises urgent questions about victims’ rights, wrongful death claims, and how civil cases can move forward even when a suspect hasn’t been found.
Reward renewed as county searches for DUI suspect tied to fatal Long Beach crash
The Board of Supervisors approved a motion to reestablish a $20,000 reward connected to the search for Octavio Montano Islas, who authorities say was the driver in a fatal collision that ended in a vehicle crashing into a Long Beach apartment building.
Who investigators are looking for
Authorities have identified Octavio Montano Islas as the suspect. Police say Islas was 24 at the time of the incident and allegedly left the scene on foot after the crash.
What happened in the collision
According to law enforcement, a 2014 Dodge Ram slammed into an apartment building in the 6600 block of Rose Avenue in Long Beach in May 2022. Investigators allege the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Where and when it occurred
The crash occurred in Long Beach, specifically in the 6600 block of Rose Avenue, in May 2022. The case remains active as detectives continue efforts to locate the suspect in Los Angeles County and beyond.
Victims identified in the case
The collision resulted in the deaths of Long Beach residents Jose Palacios-Gonzalez, 42, and his 3-year-old daughter, Samantha Palacios. Jose was pronounced dead at the scene. Samantha was transported to a hospital but later died from her injuries.
Why the reward is being reestablished now
The reward had previously been offered at $10,000, then increased to $20,000 in 2025 through a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn. Because rewards expire after a set period, the county needed to reauthorize it to keep public tips coming in.
Supervisor Hahn, whose Fourth District includes Long Beach, emphasized that the family has endured years of grief without closure, and urged anyone with information about where Islas may be to contact investigators.
What this case highlights about DUI crashes and wrongful death claims in Long Beach
From a personal injury lawyer’s perspective, this situation reflects a difficult reality in Los Angeles County: a criminal investigation can take years, especially when the suspect is missing, but families often still need answers, financial stability, and accountability much sooner.
Even when law enforcement is actively searching for a driver, victims’ families may have civil legal options related to wrongful death, survivor claims, and potential third-party liability depending on the facts (for example, insurance coverage issues, vehicle ownership questions, or other responsible parties). A civil case is separate from the criminal case—and the civil process can sometimes move forward even when a criminal case is delayed.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer can help after a fatal DUI or hit-and-run in Los Angeles County
Fatal DUI crashes and alleged hit-and-runs often create complex legal and insurance questions. A Personal Injury Lawyer can help families understand what compensation may be available and how to protect their claim—especially when the at-fault driver is not immediately located.
At Akhavan Law Firm, cases involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death are approached with a focus on investigation, documentation, and strategic claim-building—because insurance companies commonly look for reasons to minimize exposure in serious collision cases.
Why this story matters locally in Long Beach, California
Long Beach sits at the center of heavy traffic corridors and dense residential neighborhoods, where a single reckless decision can impact multiple families in seconds. DUI crashes in Long Beach and across Los Angeles County frequently involve speeding, late-night driving, and residential streets where families are most vulnerable.
If you live in Long Beach, California, it’s worth knowing that serious crashes can trigger both criminal prosecution and civil claims—and that the civil side may provide financial support for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship, depending on the circumstances.
For Long Beach residents following this case, the renewed reward is also a reminder that the community’s information can be pivotal to closing a case that has remained unresolved for years in Los Angeles County.
Practical steps to take after a suspected DUI crash or hit-and-run
- Call 911 immediately and request medical help first; don’t delay care to gather details.
- Document the scene if safe: photos, videos, vehicle damage, license plates, and nearby addresses/intersections.
- Identify witnesses and ask for contact information before they leave.
- Ask for the traffic collision report number and the responding agency’s details.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurer until you understand your legal rights, especially in serious injury or wrongful death cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Talk to a Long Beach personal injury law firm about your options after a serious crash
If your family is facing the aftermath of a DUI crash, hit-and-run, or wrongful death in Long Beach or elsewhere in Los Angeles County, getting clear legal guidance early can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. To discuss a potential claim, you can contact Akhavan Law Firm and ask about next steps for a personal injury or wrongful death consultation.
This article is a commentary-based rewrite for informational purposes, based on this source.
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