Marguerite Dao Vuong, a 29-year employee of the Pacific Palisades post office, resigned from her position in the midst of a felony investigation of the Dec. 27, 2013 hit-and-run that killed Palisadian David Pregerson. She’s due back in court Friday, July 11.
Vuong, 66, of Palms, filed her retirement papers and worked her last day at the Palisades postal annex on La Cruz on June 30, according to Postmaster Charles Hearne. Information on the terms of her retirement entitlements was not disclosed.
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Marguerite and her husband Michael Vuong both appeared May 30 at the Airport Courthouse for their arraignment on charges in the investigation. Marguerite pleaded not guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Michael, who was originally arrested on May 1 for felony vehicular manslaughter, was charged as a felony accessory for trying to cover up the criminal investigation. He, too, pleaded not guilty.
In court July 11, a date should be scheduled for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require the Vuongs to stand trial. If Marguerite is convicted as charged, she faces four years in state prison. Michael faces up to three years in county jail.
Pregerson’s family and the Los Angeles City Council had offered a combined $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.
Photos: Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
On May 2, the Post asked Marguerite Vuong for comment about her husband’s initial arrest and she said, “I think they’re wrong. He wasn’t there when it happened.”
Pregerson, 23 and a budding filmmaker and UCLA graduate, was struck by a car allegedly driven by Marguerite in the 600 block of Chautauqua Blvd. at about 3 a.m. on Dec. 27, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Pregerson succumbed to his injuries four days later.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
