Mom faces involuntary manslaughter after son’s e-motorcycle crash kills man
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- A Southern California woman, Tommi Jo Mejer, faces an additional involuntary manslaughter charge after her 14-year-old son fatally struck 81-year-old Ed Ashman with an e-motorcycle while performing wheelies.
- Mejer was previously charged with felony child endangerment and now also faces felony accessory after the fact, misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and providing false information to an officer.
- Prosecutors allege Mejer knowingly allowed her underage son to ride a powerful e-motorcycle illegally despite warnings from deputies, with the vehicle capable of speeds up to 56 mph and requiring riders to be at least 16 with a license.
- The case highlights emerging legal challenges around parental criminal liability for minors' actions involving dangerous devices like e-motorcycles, a topic gaining attention similarly to prosecutions related to minors and firearms.
- Mejer could face up to seven years and eight months in prison if convicted on all charges, while the juvenile status of her son limits public information about his potential prosecution.
