California woman faces murder charges over cat dispute

Authorities announced Wednesday that a California woman has been charged with intentionally killing a man by ramming her car into him after accusing him of attempting to run over a cat in the street. According to a statement from the Orange County prosecutor's office, Hannah Star Esser, 20, was charged with murder in the death of Victor Anthony Luis, 43, and is being held on a $1 million bail. Authorities claim that Esser encountered Luis while driving in the neighborhood of Cypress on Sunday night and charged him with attempting to run over a cat. Esser allegedly captured a fight between her and Luis as they both exited their cars. Esser allegedly went back to her vehicle, swung around, and struck Luis with it. At the scene, he was identified as deceased. District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement that "this action shows a blatant disdain for human life." The first grandchild for Luis, a father of five girls, was due this fall. According to a statement made on behalf of his family on Wednesday, he was shot and killed in front of his apartment complex and "died in his only brother's arms." “This senseless act of violence has robbed the world of a bright light who will never be forgotten,” the statement said, adding that a GoFundMe campaign has been established by his sister to pay for his funeral. According to court documents, Esser was detained on Sunday and made his initial court appearance on Tuesday. Oct. 13 is the date set for her arraignment. Defense lawyer Michael Morrison was contacted via email for comment. The district attorney's office spokeswoman, Kimberly Edds, said it wasn't immediately obvious whether a cat was actually involved. She stated that police are still looking into the crime.