Menifee, CA — A Southern California community is mourning a 13-year-old boy who was struck and killed while riding his e-bike home from volleyball practice, after police said a burglary suspect fleeing from officers ran a red light and crashed into him.
The deadly collision happened Tuesday afternoon after Menifee police responded to a reported burglary in progress in the 27000 block of Hemingway Court.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 21-year-old Temecula resident Melody Valdez, allegedly fled when officers arrived, triggering a police pursuit that ended at the intersection of Holland Avenue and Evans Road.
According to authorities, Valdez ran a red light while attempting to escape and struck Cody Valentino Garcia Villatoro, who was crossing the intersection on a green signal while riding his e-bike.
Villatoro was wearing a helmet but suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
Friends remember Cody as a kind teenager
The tragedy brought children, neighbors and other members of the community to the crash scene Thursday, where a growing memorial was created in Villatoro’s memory. Those who knew the teenager described him as friendly, funny and considerate.
“He always was just friendly and courteous,” neighbor Bryan Harris said. “Just a good kid.”
Julianna Sosa, who attended Menifee Valley Middle School with Villatoro, also remembered him fondly.
“He’s a really nice guy. He’s a good jokester, he makes people feel happy and stuff,” Sosa said. “It’s kind of sad, you know, he’s gone.” Sosa said the loss was especially difficult because Villatoro’s life ended at such a young age.
“It’s really sad that his life was taken away at such an early age,” she said.
Burglary call led to deadly pursuit
Police said the chain of events began shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, when officers responded to the reported burglary on Hemingway Court.
Surveillance footage captured moments before the pursuit that appeared to show a suspect smashing the windows of a vehicle at the residence, according to the report.
Neighbors also said the suspect drove into the home’s garage door, causing damage. When officers arrived and attempted to stop the woman, police said she sped away, leading officers into a pursuit.
The chase ultimately ended when authorities said Valdez ran the red light at Holland Avenue and Evans Road and struck Villatoro. Menifee Police Department Chief David Gutierrez said Valdez was subsequently arrested and faced several felony allegations.
“Suspect was ultimately charged with homicide, felony hit-and-run, felon evasion resulting in the death of a human being, felony vandalism and burglary,” Gutierrez said.
Police pursuit raises questions
The death has also prompted questions about the circumstances surrounding the police pursuit and how officers determine whether continuing a chase is appropriate.
Gutierrez said officers have to consider multiple factors when deciding whether to pursue someone who is fleeing.
“Some of the factors are speed, road conditions, whether or not we know who the suspect is that’s fleeing from us,” he explained.
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Authorities also said the burglary did not appear to be random. Neighbors believed the suspect may have known the person connected to the reported burglary.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office said it is reviewing the case to determine what charges will ultimately be filed against Valdez.
Investigation continues as family receives support
As investigators continue reviewing the circumstances of the crash and pursuit, Villatoro’s family is receiving support from people across the community. A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to support the family following the teenager’s death.
Police are also asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have video footage to come forward. Investigators are particularly seeking surveillance footage, dashcam recordings or other video that could help establish what happened during the pursuit.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Menifee Police Detective Garcia at 951-723-1641 or [email protected].
What are your thoughts on the tragedy that claimed the life of 13-year-old Cody Valentino Garcia Villatoro? Share your condolences and thoughts in the comments.
