Information Sought in Possible ‘Hate’ Hit and Run in West Hollywood Tuesday Night: WATCH
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Sasha Markgraf, a dressmaker and costume designer, was in drag when he was struck by a car on Larrabee Street in West Hollywoood’s boystown neighborhood.
According to WEHO Ville: “The incident, which happened in the early morning of Sept. 24, left Markgraf in the hospital. He is now recovering from serious injuries. Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him pay for his large medical expenses. Craig Charles, Markgraf’s lawyer, has reached out to WEHOville hoping publication of a video about the incident will lead to someone revealing the identity of the driver.”
“As the video shows, my client Sasha and two friends were crossing the street after leaving Flaming Saddles at approximately 2:40 a.m.,” Charles said in an email message. “The car seen in the video appears to gun straight for the group, hitting Sasha and throwing him into a tree. The car appears to be a Honda Civic, either dark gray or silver. The car did not stop, and it fled heading westbound on Santa Monica Boulevard.”
“To date, he has not been caught because we cannot get a read on the license plate. At a minimum, this is a felony hit and run, and in my mind, it rises to the level of attempted murder. We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver. The Civic will have obvious damage to the front end and possibly the windshield. Maybe the driver told someone else and that person will come forward and identify the driver.”
Charles asked that anyone with information about the driver call him at (424) 343-0660 or reach out to him through his website, https://craigcharleslaw.com, where one can provide anonymous information.
Markgraf wrote on Facebook: On Tuesday September 24, 2019 at 2:45 am I became a victim to a deliberate hit and run in West Hollywood. My friends and I were doing our normal Monday night karaoke and after the bar had closed we were all about to head to our cars when it all Happened. We stood around and chatted for a little bit, and as I stepped into the street to cross to my car, the driver pulled out of a parking spot, headlights flashed on my face, and I heard the engine rev. As we began to cross the street, the car took aim for me and ran me down. Hitting the right side of my body, my shoulder was crushed under the car. I remember seeing the silver of the Honda Civic as my head hit the hood of the car. From the video we have obtained, we can see the car sped south on Larrabee, and made a right turn to head West on Santa Monica Blvd.
I now have 15 screws and a plate in my shoulder, so I should be fun to travel with. I’ve had two major surgeries on my right arm. There is damage to my knee, and I have difficulty walking without pain. I’m right handed, and my right hand falls mostly limp at my side. I hope to be able to use it again someday so I can go back to my passions of sewing, sketching and painting. This has changed my life. And that coward drove away and is sitting at home while I am going through the trauma of recovery. That car definitely aimed at me. I remember everyone scattering and I tried to escape as well, but the car followed where I ran. I’m incredibly thankful to be alive. I’m incredibly thankful for my friends who were with me, and that they are all ok. And I’m incredibly lucky to have had and amazing surgical team! Also to have my family and loved ones who have been there to support me during this trying time.
My family and I are asking for the publics help at the time. If anyone has seen or heard anything please contact my attorney Craig Charles at 424-343-0660.
Also my friend Judi Domroy creates a go fund me page, if anyone is able to donate and help.
Thank you all for everything!
Markgra is also a singer with Gay Men’s Chorus of LA. A statement on the GoFundMe page gives details of the incident and Markgraf’s injury: “(Sasha) stepped off the curb to cross the street to his car. At that moment, the driver turned on his car and revved his engine. He took aim and ran down Sasha, the only one of the bunch who was in heels and dressed in an effeminate manner. Everyone scattered to try to avoid the car, but the driver was determined, took aim at Sasha, and ran him over. Sasha’s shoulder was crushed under the car. After dragging Sasha 20 feet, the car sped away. Sasha has now had two surgeries on his right shoulder … his dominant hand. He now has 15 pins and a plate in his arm, which, at this point is largely unusable. The nerve and tendon damage was so severe, that he cannot lift his right hand at all. In addition, he has a concussion, and his right knee is completely filled with fluid and is very painful. He has to wear a brace that immobilizes it when he walks (which he’s super thankful he can still do)!”
“The driver has not been caught, and we’re not sure if there’s any video that shows the license plate so that he/she can be tracked down. The medical bills for these surgeries, the week-long hospital stay, and everything that is yet to come…are piling up to an overwhelming amount. Obviously, he cannot work during this time, and if he doesn’t get the use of his hand back, he’s looking at many more obstacles to getting his life back.”
Again, if anyone has any information please contact attorney Craig Charles at 424-343-0660 or anonymously through Charles’ website: https://craigcharleslaw.com.
