North County- Bail was set at $2 million yesterday for Tiffany St. Ives accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal car accident in Escondido more than two years ago and then going to what a prosecutor said were extreme lengths to cover up the crime.

Deputy District Attorney Roy Lai said in Vista Superior Court that Tiffany St. Ives, who has run an animal-rescue farm called The Purple Cow in Valley Center for nearly 20 years, struck and killed Marlene Resendiz on Nov. 24, 2007, while the 17-year-old was crossing East Grand Avenue near Rose Street.

Lai said a witness recently came forward who said that after Marlene was killed, St. Ives directed him to repair damage to the front of her black Nissan sedan using parts bought from a junkyard. He told Escondido police that St. Ives also told him to use bleach to wash down the car and later to paint the car gold. The witness said he drew the line at a request from St. Ives to take the repaired and repainted car to Mexico to sell it.

Tiffany St. Ives pleaded not guilty to all charges.