Charges upped to murder in hit-and-run crash that killed grandmother, 2-year-old

Orange County prosecutors Tuesday increased manslaughter charges to murder against a Costa Mesa man accused in a hit-and-run crash in Irvine that killed a woman and her 2-year-old granddaughter.

Alec Scott Abraham, 20, now faces two counts of murder in the June 10 collision.

Investigators discovered new “scientific evidence and witness information” that led to the new charges, according to the county district attorney’s office, which declined to give specifics.

If Abraham is convicted of the new charges, he could face 30 years to life in prison instead of the previous maximum of 14 years.

Prosecutors allege that Abraham was driving a Ford Mustang the night of June 10 when it ran a red light at Alton and Barranca parkways and slammed into a Chevrolet Cruze.

Katherine Hampton, a 54-year-old Lake Forest resident who was driving the Cruze, died at the scene.

Hampton’s daughter and two grandchildren also were in the car and were seriously injured. Four days later, Kaydence Hampton, 2, died of her injuries, authorities said.

Authorities allege that Abraham fled the scene after taking a bystander’s cellphone. Irvine police arrested him the next day in a Costa Mesa park.

Abraham, who is being held with bail set at $1 million, is expected in court July 8.

He has a recent history of citations for driving violations, including speeding, according to court records.

Abraham’s lawyer did not immediately return a message seeking comment.