| For Immediate Release Case # 08HF1934
October 10, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MOTORCYCLIST CHARGED WITH MURDER FOR KILLING DRIVER IN CRASH WHILE RACING ABOVE 100 MPH
SANTA ANA – A man has been charged with murdering a 46-year-old driver by crashing his motorcycle into another car while racing at speeds above 100 mph on a suspended license. Blaise Aaron Meadows, 20, Orange, is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of speed racing causing injury, one felony count of reckless driving causing injury, one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license, and traffic infractions for unsafe speeds and driving at a speed greater than 100 mph. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 18 years to life in state prison. Meadows is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. in Department H-2, Harbor Justice, Newport Beach.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 25, 2008, Meadows and an unknown friend are accused of racing each other on their motorcycles at speeds over 100 mph on State Route 241 in Lake Forest. Meadows is accused of crashing his Yamaha motorcycle into the back of an Alpha Romeo driven by 46-year-old Andrew Parker. The force of the impact caused the victim’s car to veer off the road and crash into a light pole before flipping onto the roof and landing in a parking lot. Meadows was thrown from his motorcycle and landed on the shoulder of the freeway. The other motorcyclist drove away. Parker, who was trapped in his car and had to be cut free, was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma. The defendant was transported to the hospital to be treated for several fractures.
Half an hour prior to the crash, Meadows is accused of sending instant messages to friends discussing his intent to speed on his motorcycle and flee from police. The defendant is accused of driving on a suspended license due to three prior speeding tickets and one ticket for running a red light. Prior to being issued a motorcycle license, the defendant attended and completed a motorcycle safety course in which he was advised of the danger of speeding and reckless driving. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigated this case.
The investigation is ongoing as to the identity of the second motorcycle rider. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ed Contreras at (714)347-8492 or Capistrano CHP Investigator Barnard at (949)487-4000.
Deputy District Attorney Susan Price of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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