LOS ANGELES _ The call crackled over the California Highway Patrol scanner as darkness enveloped Interstate 5 in the San Fernando Valley.
"I have a male wearing a red sweater and jeans walking in the slow lane," the dispatcher said at 10:59 p.m. on Oct. 4.
The man wandered back and forth over the freeway's four northbound lanes near San Fernando Mission Boulevard.
"He's walking in lanes and waving his arms," the dispatcher said.
Six minutes later, a blue minivan braked but couldn't avoid striking the man.
"Can you advise his status?" the dispatcher asked.
"1144," an officer replied in a soft voice, using the code for a possible fatality.
The man died on the freeway a half-hour after being struck. He didn't carry identification. Three words were tattooed on his left arm: "Be the best." He had a bus pass and wore a USC sweatshirt.
His name was Kevin Ellison.
