‘Complete Disregard For Human Life’: Woman Accused Of Running Man Over During Dispute About Cat, D.A. Says

A Southern California woman is accused of fatally running over a man after she said he tried to hit a cat in a cul-de-sac, authorities said.

On the evening of Sept. 25, Hannah Star Esser, 20, exited her vehicle in Orange County and confronted 43-year-old Victor Anthony Luis, who she believed aimed his car at the animal, FOX 11 reported.

Luis also got out of his vehicle during the dispute. When Esser got back into hers, she made a three-point turn in the cul-de-sac, and then allegedly stepped on the gas, hitting Luis and sending him flying over the hood of her car, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Luis, a father of five daughters, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Esser was arrested and faces a murder charge. She was being held on $1 million bail. If convicted of the count against her, Esser reportedly faces up to life behind bars.

Officials said it wasn’t clear if a cat was actually involved or injured during the incident.

“This action showed a complete disregard for human life,” District Attorney Todd Spitzer said of the fatality.

Family said the victim was a “gentle soul” and “died in his only brother’s arms” in front of his apartment building.

“We are devastated by the loss of Victor, a beloved father of five daughters, a treasured son, brother, friend and cousin,” Luis' loved ones told FOX 11 in a statement. “This senseless act of violence has robbed the world of a bright light who will never be forgotten.”