One of the largest settlements in California history for a single plaintiff in a wrongful death case
By Sam Catanzaro
Daniel Ghyczy, Esq. of Alexandroff Law Group, a California plaintiff law firm, has obtained a $18.85 million settlement on behalf of the family of Monique Munoz, who was killed in 2021 when 17-year-old Brendan Khuri of Beverly Hills, CA ran a red light while driving his Lamborghini SUV at over 100 mph during rush hour traffic, crashing into Munoz’s vehicle.
“Today is a significant milestone because the Munoz family can finally get some closure for this horrific tragedy,” Ghyczy said. “The family faced numerous hurdles from both private insurance companies and the LA District Attorney’s office, and experienced the harsh realities of racism and bias against those from underserved communities. The family pleaded for the District Attorney to investigate this case and met with the office dozens of times to advocate for their family. It was never about money for the Munoz family, it was about acknowledgement of Brendan Khuri’s misconduct that resulted in the death of their only daughter and to ensure that he was held accountable. Today’s settlement is a testament to their efforts and is a step closer to justice.”
On February 17, 2021, Munoz was traveling home to Hawthorne, California from her job working for UCLA Health in Los Angeles. She was traveling Westbound on Olympic Boulevard, waiting to turn left onto Southbound Overland Avenue. The traffic control signal facing Monique turned red, the intersection was clear, and Monique began to make her turn. As she did this, the defendant, Khuri, driving his Lamborghini SUV Eastbound on Olympic Boulevard, ran the red light and crashed into Monique’s vehicle at 100+ miles per hour, causing a devastating and violent crash.
According to the plaintiffs, prior to the fatal crash, the defendant and his father frequently posted to social media platforms engaging in illegal speed exhibitions, often with each other, across surface streets in Los Angeles.
“Although Brendan Khuri had only received his license a few months prior to this tragedy, he had already had several run-ins with law enforcement, one of which resulted in his Lamborghini SUV being impounded by the Beverly Hills Police Department. According to tow records, that SUV was returned to Brendan by his father less than 48-hours after being impounded. Three months later, Brendan Khuri killed Monique Munoz while driving that same Lamborghini SUV,” reads a press release announcing the settlement.
During a restitution hearing held on April 27, 2022, a Los Angeles judge decided to continue the hearing to a later date. The family’s total monetary recovery will be determined at that hearing and could exceed $25 million.
James Khuri, the driver’s father, was charged with a misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The criminal hearing is being held June 8, 2022.
