Oregon Woman Faces Manslaughter and DUI Charges Following Death of an Elderly Speech Therapist

A woman from Portland who allegedly killed an 82-year-old speech therapist in a two-car collision while under the influence was arrested on Thursday by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court records, Rosa Victalina Hitzfeld (59) allegedly killed the elderly woman, Marcia Abbate, on October 13, 2024. Abbate, from California, was visiting family in Portland when the accident occurred.

The accident occurred at 9 p.m. in the 800 block of Northeast Fairview Parkway. Abbate died at the scene, while two passengers in her vehicle were admitted to hospital. Hitzfeld was also hospitalized.

When Hitzfeld left the hospital, she was charged and taken into custody by the sheriff’s office.

Hitzfeld has been indicted by a grand jury. She faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, two DUIs, seven charges of reckless endangerment, and four charges of assault. Hitzfeld had entered a plea of not guilty on all counts.