from the scrapbook

TS - Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

◼ Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

ARCATA -- The California Highway Patrol was looking Monday night for a newer model silver Mustang with a black top that was reportedly racing another car when a third uninvolved vehicle was clipped, killing an 8-year-old girl.

Sgt. Brett Fabbri said the silver Mustang may have collision damage, or may be a witness to the accident. Leaving the scene of a crash is considered a hit-and-run, Fabbri said.

The crash occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 299, with two of the cars ending up off the highway at Boyd Road off of Giuntoli Lane, taking out a highway sign and a telephone pole.

The car that was allegedly being raced landed in a ditch on Boyd Road, while the uninvolved SUV was flipped on the other side of the road.

Parties in both vehicles suffered moderate injuries, Fabbri said. The 8-year-old girl was in the SUV, along with a couple and two other young girls, who all were able to walk away from the accident, he said.

Bill McLaughlin, who lives half a mile down the street, said he could hear the crash from his house.

”It was loud,” he said, adding that he was about to call 911 when he heard sirens heading toward the crash site. McLaughlin came down to the site to make sure his father, who had gone out for a walk, hadn't been involved.

Trucks trying to get through on Boyd Road were stopped before officers began re-routing traffic around the scene.

Fabbri said officers had wanted to clear the site as soon as possible, so witnesses had their information taken down before leaving. He said CHP will continue to investigate the accident.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call the California Highway Patrol at 268-2000.
Donna Tam can be reached at 441-0532 or dtam@times-standard.com.

From comments:
Common Sense

The 2 drag racing drivers have committed murder and should receive sentences of life without the possibility of parole.
sad

I agree I know the little girls that was killed and I hope they find this guy and give him and the other car that was involved with the race sentences of life without the possibility of parole.
I agree

This is so sad. I feel such grief and sorrow for the families involved and the many people this has affected and pray for them to find a way to get through this. The people that were drag racing deserve the MAXIMUM sentence for their complete disregard to anyone else or lives on the roadway. Because of their actions a little girl is gone- some one has lost their daughter, their sister, their niece, their grandchild, their friend. This is a very tragic event- I am every so sorry.
domino 21

HMM, do you want to bet that these street racer types are already on probation?
Tom Tom

It sounds like they are looking for a Mustang convertible judging by the black over grey description...
Boobaloo

Hang Him!
Anonymous

I wonder if any of these drivers were recent HSU immigrants up here in Humboldt for Irie times and good Karma on the plaza?

Are they even legit citizens?
Kallisti

Anon - They were legit citizens of the planet...and they killed a little girl.
Anonymous

That Mustang they cops are looking for match one I see on 7th St by O St here in Eureka all the time and that driver drives like a nut too. Coincidence? Or not?
Anonymous

Anonymous in Eka- is there any point to your statement?

Anonymous from SF- if that's a real possibility, the TS Forums aren't going to the cops... you need to call them.
Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous in Eka- is there any point to your statement?
Anonymous from SF- if that's a real possibility, the TS Forums aren't going to the cops... you need to call them.
They cops already know. Heard about it on the police scanner...
whodat

Anonymous is a racist dumba$$. That comment was as stupid as anything I have ever read on this site. The guys probably looked just like you. Your comments illustrate both your ignorance and intolerance. You are a perpetrator of hate and should probably educate yourself instead of accusing blindly or trying to create fictitious stereotypes out of your limited imagination.
anonymous

What a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this most precious young girl whose life was so tragically cut short. I hope this mustang speed racer turns himself in. I too believe that he should receive a stiff prison sentence. If the laws aren't strict enough then we as a group of people need to lobby with our congressman to create a bill that requires stricter consequences/punishment for those who speed race and when lives are lost in result to speed racing.
Observer

Every single male age 16-25, should be forced to go to that little girl's funeral.

They need to see the awful consequences of reckless driving.
Native

I hope they check with Arcata and McKinleyville High for any students who own a siver mustang with a back convertible top. I would believe this was the act of a high school kid. Stupid is as stupid does.
heard on streets

check valley west area,devlin court,
anon from Eureka

This is such a tragic, unnecessary loss. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this little girl. Her twin sister was in the car also. I heard about this tragedy last night, and woke up thinking about it all night. I not only hope they find the parties responsible and bring them to justice (if there is any) but also make an example out of their actions.
Local worker

A car is a transportation device.
A car is a deadly weapon.
A car is NOT a toy.
Very sad.
Darwin

Observer wrote:
Every single male age 16-25, should be forced to go to that little girl's funeral.
They need to see the awful consequences of reckless driving.
so only males 16-25 drive reckless? give me a break.

it should be a wake up call to our entire community. we shouldn't put up with it. most of us have cell phones, don't hesitate to use them when you see someone driving dangerously.
Thurfer Howat

My condolences to the family, no parent should ever have to lay to rest their children. I know no amount of justice will bring her back, but these people needs to be removed from the roadway and our community.

Jeffrey Lytle


Maybe, a color sketch/drawing of the car could be rendered in the follow-up story so that viewers could get an idea of what to look for.

I have seen newer fastback looking mustangs in Arcata and McKinleyville that match the description. In fact, CHP has received enough calls regarding speeding along Central Avenue in McKinleyville that if they step up their enforcement, then maybe the CHP will begin to familiarize themselves with the "REAL PROBLEM MAKERS WITHIN DRIVING SOCIETY"! I have repeatedly seen a newer silver mustang speeding up and down Central Avenue. The driver looked young - like High School to early college aged. In fact, I am surprised that no little gils or boys have died at K-Mart in McKinleyville because speeders use their parking lot as a shortcut to the NEW MOVIE THEATRE AFTER TAKING AN ILLEGAL LEFT HAND TURN OFF OF CENTRAL AVENUE. In Fact, the illegal left hand turning by intrinsicly selfish drivers has caused many near misses and when I get hit,**** hits the fan because of historical crys of concerns that are DOCUMENTED.

If you want something fixed, then sometimes fixing it yourself is the only mechanism left to use. People, get involved in thwarting selfish driving. Oh, and to the State of Califonia hypocracy - quit giving licenses out for money and give licenses out for responsibility. Government Agencies who regulate AND who are hard up for cash can be more dangerous to society than society itself. Go figure?

Question for CHP = where may I purchase an onboard dash camera like your department uses.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Fred

No Darwin- Murdering idiots come in all ages and colors- buts its a pretty good bet that this moron is under 30. I am about to move out of town for this very reason-boom cars and drag racers. ENOUGH! What the hells the matter with people?
----------

The family and little girl have our prayers, and may God protect and bless you.
Disgruntled 2

When ever I see someone driving reckless on 101 or 299 (passing on blind turns) etc... I dial 911. Give them a good description of the car and driver. Its our civic duty to report those who endanger everyone else life. If you don't who will and you don't every want to go "I should have before he/she slammed into that innocent bystander".
nobody

I'm sure the Family/Friends of this driver know what happened. hopefully they will do the right thing.

"Please report any silver mustang."
Observer

Idiots. I guess the EPD sponsored drags in Samoa aren't good enough for you.
peaceful driver

My sympathies to the family.

I sure hope these maniacs get what's coming to them. Of course they will carry the guilt for the rest of their lives.
YES make an example out of them and if they are under 18 punish them as adults anyway.
Sadness

Hey everyone This is not the time to give political oppinions and Jeffrey its not the time to give a lecture! An 8yr old girl has passed on and How that must feel I hope I never know the feeling! My point is this If you have valuable information and it will help this family obtain closure in this tragedy Please do your civic duty, but dont use this event to give an oppinion about things that have been a problem with drivers etc... as we all see this stupidity every day!
Mack Resident

I know the little girl that was killed. She was a very sweet, loving little girl that will be greatly missed by her family and especially her twin sister. My only hope is that they find and convict the murderer(s) that caused this senseless tragedy. They will rot in hell.
Mike

whodat wrote:
Anonymous is a racist dumba$$. That comment was as stupid as anything I have ever read on this site. The guys probably looked just like you. Your comments illustrate both your ignorance and intolerance. You are a perpetrator of hate and should probably educate yourself instead of accusing blindly or trying to create fictitious stereotypes out of your limited imagination.
Take a breath! Yee gads!
Jeffrey Lytle

Fred wrote:
No Darwin- Murdering idiots come in all ages and colors- buts its a pretty good bet that this moron
is under 30. I am about to move out of town for this very reason-boom cars and drag racers. ENOUGH! What the hells the matter with people?
----------
The family and little girl have our prayers, and may God protect and bless you.
Fred, Humboldt County and local radical groups will not let you because of infill plans. The County insiders, along with these outside radical groups, want to permanently close off rural land to future humans, unless they control through some invented regulation for an invented impact for an invented situation borne from an issue which has been choregraphed and minced with so much Hollywood rhetoric, that a person would have to attend acting school just to be on the same ridiculous level of reverse course intellect.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Mack Resident

Jeffrey,
I think you are going a little off topic here. This is about the loss of a beautiful little girl, not about local radical groups and infill plans.
Jeffrey Lytle

Mike wrote:
Beyond drag racing... reasons for running to hide: 1.) Stolen vehicle
2.) Unlicensed, suspended, or revoked driver 3.) Illegal immigrant
4.) Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs 5.) No insurance 6.) On parole/probation 7.) Probably a Democrat 8.) Unable to accept personal responsibility or accountability for doing stupid things while stuck-on-stupid! Possibly learned in today's public educational system?
Care to add a few?
Nope, you did an admirable job. The last was on point, include parents too.#7 though, is that statisticly backed? Many say a person is a #8 if they are a #7 or Republican or just being a party to a two party system of politics - You know, voters as a select group being the #8's in society voting for either or of the two classless parties.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
judi

the driver of the mustang, or people who know the driver, have a moral duty to go to the police.
Fred

Mike- to bring your sick ignorant politics into a story like this speaks volumes about the kind of waste you are. Please go away.
money

this is sad racing cars on the highway with innocent other drivers is a shame. you should think about the life of others before you go doing something as stupid as that. Now you have an 8 year old girl who cant be what she wanted to be. you have sisters who lost their sister, parents who lost their innocent sweet little girl. i was at the hospital last night watching the families grieve. what a shame and i hope you get caught.
Really

Jeffrey Lytle wrote:
Nope, you did an admirable job. The last was on point, include parents too.#7 though, is that statisticly backed? Many say a person is a #8 if they are a #7 or Republican or just being a party to a two party system of politics - You know, voters as a select group being the #8's in society voting for either or of the two classless parties.
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
And for JEFFREY to agree is typical! Crack-pots usually see Eye2Eye! Nice work today The henchman has made it clear he doesnt support families in crisis! Didnt you run for public office Jeff? I guess we are glad JILL is Still in charge, Im sure she is spending lots of time on the phones today taking care of this tragedy were you would have been using this event as a means to further your political rants!
Jeffrey Lytle

Mack Resident wrote:
Jeffrey,
I think you are going a little off topic here. This is about the loss of a beautiful little girl, not about local radical groups and infill plans.
I responded to Fred who is concerned about "THIS" sort of situation, as indicated by his post. Any person concerned who wants to live out of town will be affected by decisions not allowing them that right, especially for FAMILY safety reasons.

Yes, THIS is a trajic loss

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Please Go away

Hey shouldnt you be finishing those bird houses you are building on that property you own??Jeffrey??

When your done You and Mike can Lcok yourselves in them and we will all forgive you and come feed you!
Jeffrey Lytle
“HENCHMAN OF JUSTICE”

Really wrote:

And for JEFFREY to agree is typical! Crack-pots usually see Eye2Eye! Nice work today The henchman has made it clear he doesnt support families in crisis! Didnt you run for public office Jeff? I guess we are glad JILL is Still in charge, Im sure she is spending lots of time on the phones today taking care of this tragedy were you would have been using this event as a means to further your political rants!
Since you are using my responses politically for an individual, personalized political attack, please point out to all the viewers appropriately where I wrote anything showing non-support for THIS family or ANY family in a crisis such as this explained in this article under the current known circumstances.

And as far as politics - who gives out drivers licenses; who is SUPPOSED to enforce driving patterns; who is SUPPOSED to ensure that irresponsible people are kept off the roadways; who are those types of people who ever so often are connected to tragedies like this? These are often the questions and discussions that ensue trajic events like this. It is not wrong when the truth is being told or when an accurate statement is being made. If you do not like this reality, I can understand that. However, I am free to RESPOND to any person's comments.

Now, back on topic, I would like to iterate the road racing along north bank road and the two immediate overpasses near 299/Boyd. It is a course that includes sections of 299 and 101 too.

Thank You to ALL elected officials, police officers, common folk, etc... who do their part in making the irresponsible drivers extinct.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Darwin

Fred wrote:
No Darwin- Murdering idiots come in all ages and colors- buts its a pretty good bet that this moron
is under 30. I am about to move out of town for this very reason-boom cars and drag racers. ENOUGH! What the hells the matter with people?
----------
The family and little girl have our prayers, and may God protect and bless you.
see new breaking news article.

Jeffrey Lytle
Please Go away wrote:
Hey shouldnt you be finishing those bird houses you are building on that property you own??Jeffrey??
When your done You and Mike can Lcok yourselves in them and we will all forgive you and come feed you!
You mean, giving back to mother nature and the environment? Well, I can forgive too. Who do I forgive? We?

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Rey

Sounds like the seat-belt manifacture may be held liable, people walk away from 30 mph role over accidents all the time and that's the speed limit there, a modern suv is built pretty strong and more safty gear than a regular car.
nobody

A Forty year old woman? that sure squashed all the stereotypes. They still need to hang her

Once again please report all Silver Mustangs
wow

i have a question for all of you saying the driver of the mustang must be a young kid .. have you not realized the other person racing was a 40 YEAR OLD WOMAN! you all are assuming the driver must be a young kid because only young kids drive stupid and race but why would this grown woman race some young kid at speeds over 90 mph .. i can't understand that?!?! Does anyone else??? Stupidity isn't only in the young. I feel terribly for the family and friends involved with the little girl. It is a terrible terrible loss.
Darwin

Rey wrote:
Sounds like the seat-belt manifacture may be held liable, people walk away from 30 mph role over accidents all the time and that's the speed limit there, a modern suv is built pretty strong and more safty gear than a regular car.
the speed limit on 299 where the accident occured is 65
The Dude

Observer wrote:
Every single male age 16-25, should be forced to go to that little girl's funeral.
They need to see the awful consequences of reckless driving.
First off, you're sexist, and if I had to guess, one of those feminazis that assume all men a heartless pricks no matter what.

Second, female drivers get in more accidents than male drivers. Not only is that a fact, but curriculum in California public schools' drivers ed class...
WOW

nobody wrote:
A Forty year old woman? that sure squashed all the stereotypes. They still need to hang her
Once again please report all Silver Mustangs
I agree, report all silver mustangs, there is one in the Costco parking lot.

This person needs to report themselves. They will be figured out eventually anyway, there is absolutely no reason to make the family of that poor little girl suffer any more than they already are. Awful.
Jeffrey Lytle
nobody wrote:
A Forty year old woman? that sure squashed all the stereotypes. They still need to hang her
Once again please report all Silver Mustangs
Not ALL stereotypes since we do not have the "full" story yet. Stupid is as stupid does. Irresponsibility is as irresponsibility does. Wreckless is as wreckless does. So many stereotypes for society to choose from only after tragedy creates an innocent life lost.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
eka

maybe someone should look into the back ground of the second driver i bet it wont look so good anyone who knows her knows all about her and it is not good! hopefully she will be charged
mack resident and friend

Jeffrey Lytle wrote:
Fred, Humboldt County and local radical groups will not let you because of infill plans. The County insiders, along with these outside radical groups, want to permanently close off rural land to future humans, unless they control through some invented regulation for an invented impact for an invented situation borne from an issue which has been choregraphed and minced with so much Hollywood rhetoric, that a person would have to attend acting school just to be on the same ridiculous level of reverse course intellect.
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Jeff, What are you talking about? This is a forum to express opinions and offer thoughts that help solve the problem. Not a place to ramble on about politics, go build some birdhouses or something.
Jeffrey Lytle

wow wrote:
i have a question for all of you saying the driver of the mustang must be a young kid .. have you not realized the other person racing was a 40 YEAR OLD WOMAN! you all are assuming the driver must be a young kid because only young kids drive stupid and race but why would this grown woman race some young kid at speeds over 90 mph .. i can't understand that?!?! Does anyone else??? Stupidity isn't only in the young. I feel terribly for the family and friends involved with the little girl. It is a terrible terrible loss.
Which begs the question: why would two older adults be wrecklessly drag racing on State Route 299? Where do they have to be so quickly in Humboldt County, really?

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
nobody

eka wrote:
maybe someone should look into the back ground of the second driver i bet it wont look so good anyone who knows her knows all about her and it is not good! hopefully she will be charged
Sounds Like you know her
Humboldt Honeygirl

My condolences to the families. Such a sad tragedy:(

Report any silver w/black top mustangs ASAP.
Eel Valley Resident

As a mom of an eight year old girl, I am terribly saddened at this tragedy. I truly hope they locate and successfully prosecute the driver(s) involved. For the posters on this board, I have seen valuable information come about in this forums. Please ignore those who are trying to blatantly start trouble via their own personal/political agendas. Comments resulting from these types may get the "discussion" shut down. You never know when the next anonymous poster might have the information the police need to get this killer.
Darwin

they weren't... they did wreck ;)
mack resident and friend

Ask around at the Casino, Silver Mustang, regular visitor possibly....hmmmmmm?
Jeffrey Lytle
“
mack resident and friend wrote:

Jeff, What are you talking about? This is a forum to express opinions and offer thoughts that help solve the problem. Not a place to ramble on about politics, go build some birdhouses or something.
Here is Fred's post that you failed to provide for ALL viewers in your calculated and manipulative personal attack.

*****No Darwin- Murdering idiots come in all ages and colors- buts its a pretty good bet that this moron
is under 30. I am about to move out of town for this very reason-boom cars and drag racers. ENOUGH! What the hells the matter with people?
----------

The family and little girl have our prayers, and may God protect and bless you.*****

I expressed facts, opinions and thoughts too based on the CONCERNS of another and you want to vilify me exclusively. So, these facts and thoughts do not count because why?

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
shaun

the other driver is 40 so why are u looking for someone 16-25 da
The Dude

Jeffrey Lytle wrote:
You mean, giving back to mother nature and the environment? Well, I can forgive too. Who do I forgive? We?
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Building birdhouses actually harms the natural ecosystem. Read a fargin book, for chris' sake!

Feeding birds and providing them shelter that doesn't fit with the natural ecosystem affects migratory patterns and harms the species as a whole. Ask any biologist.
mack resident and friend

Jeffrey Lytle wrote:
Here is Fred's post that you failed to provide for ALL viewers in your calculated and manipulative personal attack.
*****No Darwin- Murdering idiots come in all ages and colors- buts its a pretty good bet that this moron
is under 30. I am about to move out of town for this very reason-boom cars and drag racers. ENOUGH! What the hells the matter with people?
----------
The family and little girl have our prayers, and may God protect and bless you.*****
I expressed facts, opinions and thoughts too based on the CONCERNS of another and you want to vilify me exclusively. So, these facts and thoughts do not count because why?
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
What facts and concerns? You ramble on while I listen to my 9 yr old daughter sob uncontrollably over the loss of her friend....try to stay on topic Jeff, we are not talking about whatever you were talking about...YOUR point gets lost in big words and politics...nuff said?

shaun
Richmond, CA
all u people are dumb.u are looking for a 16-25 illeagal redneck right on. the other driver is 40
Jeffrey Lytle

Sadness wrote:
Hey everyone This is not the time to give political oppinions and Jeffrey its not the time to give a lecture! An 8yr old girl has passed on and How that must feel I hope I never know the feeling! My point is this If you have valuable information and it will help this family obtain closure in this tragedy Please do your civic duty, but dont use this event to give an oppinion about things that have been a problem with drivers etc... as we all see this stupidity every day!
And yet, we all allow it to continue in some misguided way. Discussing this loss is only natural from the standpoint of concerned folks.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Mark

Let's hope that the Mustang information is accurate and came from a reliable witness, preferably not the racer who crashed. That driver wouldn't have any particular reason to give the cops straight information, but would probably say most anything to deflect as much of the blame as possible.

There were at least two people in the racing Sunbird and were giving conflicting information about which one was the driver, so you have to know the CHP is taking all their statements with a big grain of salt.
Jeffrey Lytle

mack resident and friend wrote:
What facts and concerns? You ramble on while I listen to my 9 yr old daughter sob uncontrollably over the loss of her friend....try to stay on topic Jeff, we are not talking about whatever you were talking about...YOUR point gets lost in big words and politics...nuff said?
Look, I responded to a another's response. In fact, I have responded many times about this tragic accident. So, do you think I do not care? In fact, why are you repeatedly wasting your time vilifying me inappropriately if your daughter is sobbing and most likely needs your full, undivided attention in careing for her needs, with all due respect? What is more important for you - me or YOUR DAUGHTER?

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
shaun

all women 40 should be forced to go to the funeral to show them what bad drivers the are
Mark

eka wrote:
maybe someone should look into the back ground of the second driver i bet it wont look so good anyone who knows her knows all about her and it is not good! hopefully she will be charged
It may or may not have been about this second racing driver, but on the scanner I heard a CHP or sheriff deputy asking for a state parole officer to be contacted.
Bluesman

It's a senseless tragedy, when a young life is taken like this. All my prayers and care are given to the family.
Rey

Still did the seat-belt work or not?, should we be concerned with their ability to function in an accident. Click it or ticket!...
amused by stupidity

There's a reason we have a drag strip here. And this is it. I'm so sorry for the family that lost their little girl in this. My eyes will be open for this mustang and my phone will be in hand when I spot it. My thoughts are with the family and I hope all involved in the "race" open their eyes and see what they have done and learned their lesson. Take it out to Samoa, at least no one will be hurt out there. Prayers go out to the family.
MacTown Local 707

I think they mean the 2 Big birdhouse looking things on the property! The ones I assume are storage units that look more like 2 story High Bird houses! What are those things anyway not to go off topic!
Mark

Rey wrote:
Still did the seat-belt work or not?, should we be concerned with their ability to function in an accident.
Nothing invented by man is perfect or guaranteed to function as hoped in every conceivable situation. Seat belts are tools that can and do HELP prevent or reduce injuries every day. It will be a part of the investigation. Give it a rest.
MacTown Local 707

And I am sorry for going off topic, my prayers are with this family and its sad we had to do a Rant Session here in this tragic events forum!
Darwin

Jeffrey Lytle wrote:
... if your daughter is sobbing and most likely needs your full, undivided attention in careing for her needs, with all due respect? What is more important for you - me or YOUR DAUGHTER?
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
my thoughts exactly!
Anony

MacTown Local 707 wrote:
And I am sorry for going off topic, my prayers are with this family and its sad we had to do a Rant Session here in this tragic events forum!
The ranting is a product of anger and frustration over the sad situation and being somewhat powerless to do anything about it at the moment except to be totally ****(at the drivers racing). Then people start sniping at each other. It can be unpleasant but totally understandable.
Jerk

Go back to your METH, it was such a peaceful powder.
anony

As a parent and knowing the family this is a real tragedy. The family needs your prayers to get through this horrific time. The mother of the twins is going to be in the hospital for a while, more like severe injuries instead of moderate. A beautiful child is lost-hug your children, unfortunately you never know what the future holds...
LOL

Tom Tom wrote:
It sounds like they are looking for a Mustang convertible judging by the black over grey description...
Thank you captain obvious. I bet that there was somebody driving the car to...
anonymous

thats why theres freaking drag strips with all the saftey measures to not kill young innocent people of our future
LOL

WOW wrote:

I agree, report all silver mustangs, there is one in the Costco parking lot.
This person needs to report themselves. They will be figured out eventually anyway, there is absolutely no reason to make the family of that poor little girl suffer any more than they already are. Awful.
Yeah lets just report all the silver mustangs in Humboldt that was the remaining 400 people can get hassled. That sounds like the smartest thing ever!
Whom ever is responsible will be found it is only a matter of time. We dont need to hassle everyone with a silver mustang because of one idiot!
Parent Driver

This is such a sad story, but unfortunately not surprising given how bad so many people are at driving. Between cell phones, texting and a general NASCAR attitude to driving I'd expect more senseless accidents. Too many people drive way too fast, tailgate, execute unsafe passes, fail to use turn signals, etc.

I really wish people would think more about their driving when they drive and not concentrate on distractions. As far as it being a "young male" problem, I disagree, there's plenty of aggressive unsafe driving by done young females as well.

Darwin

Parent Driver wrote:
As far as it being a "young male" problem, I disagree, there's plenty of aggressive unsafe driving by done young females as well.
and even 40 year old women as this case indicates...
Thurfer Howat

I wonder if they weren't racing, but the woman driver was chasing the mustang (fear a woman scorned) and said it was racing to cover her ****?
everyday reader

jeffrey lyttle is a **** , dude serious u have commented like 200 times on this with ur own **** agena, get over it and realize a little girl died.
Local Boy

As a dad, i cannot even imagine how the family is feeling! My heart breaks when i hear stories like this. My prayers go out to the family!

As for the drag racers, I hope they get the death penalty! They took a deadly weapon and drove irresponsible causing an 8 year old child to look her life. this accident, is just like if i took a gun and was messing around with it, acting irresponsible, and killed someone. The punishment should be the same!! I hope i am on that jury!
SAD

I agree wrote:
This is so sad. I feel such grief and sorrow for the families involved and the many people this has affected and pray for them to find a way to get through this. The people that were drag racing deserve the MAXIMUM sentence for their complete disregard to anyone else or lives on the roadway. Because of their actions a little girl is gone- some one has lost their daughter, their sister, their niece, their grandchild, their friend. This is a very tragic event- I am every so sorry.
how about someone has lost a twin sister...
very very sad
LOL

Parent Driver wrote:
This is such a sad story, but unfortunately not surprising given how bad so many people are at driving. Between cell phones, texting and a general NASCAR attitude to driving I'd expect more senseless accidents. Too many people drive way too fast, tailgate, execute unsafe passes, fail to use turn signals, etc.
I really wish people would think more about their driving when they drive and not concentrate on distractions. As far as it being a "young male" problem, I disagree, there's plenty of aggressive unsafe driving by done young females as well.
point in case- Female driver involved, 40 year old female in the sunfire. Truth is as reckless as young males are as drivers- they can drive. I see more young female drivers nearly cause or get into accidents daily. If I could only keep track of half the times I personally have witnessed this, the final tally would be outrageous. The fact is that most people that have their license in our area are not even close to consious drivers!
Jeffrey Lytle

everyday reader wrote:
jeffrey lyttle is a ****, dude serious u have commented like 200 times on this with ur own **** agena, get over it and realize a little girl died.
It is hard to get over a little 8 year old girl being killed and realising her mom is severely injured because of street racing.

Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District
Anonomous

"The driver of the Pontiac Sunbird is believed by the CHP to be 40-year-old Cheri Marcelli of Willow Creek, who was out of the car when authorities arrived." -Times Standard
The 40 yr old woman wrecked her vehcle on scene. I want to point out that they don't have a discription (that they've released) of the person driving the Ford Mustang that left the scene.
So, don't be looking only for a newer model Silver ford mustang with black top, only driven by a 40 yr old woman. Be looking for one with any age/sex driver.
Together we can help the CHP find this killer.
an observer

Peculiar-at 5:13 p.m. in the north bound 101 by HSU there was an orange mini car driving erratically and fast and was weaving in and out of traffic. His buddy Robert was on a black rice rocket was following him too. They both showed lack of respect for the other drivers on the road at this time. Then I drove down 299 and saw the aftermath caused by others involved in reckless behavior.
JRS

October 6th 2008

Nicole was only eight, or so I was told.
She took her last breath today.
I know nothing of her eight years here on earth.
I only know she didn't need to go in such a tragic way.
As I sat in my office which overlooks Hwy 299 a tremendous crashing sound erupted from out on the Hwy.
I saw the power pole drop to the ground with the heavy load of wires quickly following.
Someone was hurt, they needed help.
At the crash site, two young girls were walking around dazed not knowing what was happening.
One I find out is the twin of Nicole.

A business acquaintance of mine was just behind Nicole's mom's car westbound on Hwy 299.
He was nearly hit as two cars raced by at very high speed.
He witnessed one of them clipping the car Nicole's mom was driving.
One of the cars that was racing also tumbled and ended upside down along the embankment next to Boyd Road.
Both occupants were removed but appeared unhurt.
Nicole's mom was not so lucky, she was crying out for information on the status of her girls while wedged in her seat.
What do you say to a mom whose only concern while trapped in an upside down car is the well being of her girls?

Nicole's sister will not know the twin she spent her entire life with.
My heart was broken today. Broken for a little girl I did not even know.
As we removed her from the wreckage it was all I could do to keep my composure.
What a tragedy, An entire family and a circle of friends burdened with the grief brought upon them from irresponsible actions.

I have nine grandchildren. I have twin granddaughters that are almost two.
When I heard the news that I was going to have twin granddaughters, I daydreamed of all the joy they would bring to our family.
I could see the mischief they would get into as they grew up and wondered how life could be any better.

Nicole was someone's granddaughter. a twin granddaughter. I ache inside for all the lost memories that were yet to come.

Hug your kids today. Hug your grand kids today or as soon as you get the chance.
Let the ones you love know how much you love them. Say the words.

May God pour his mercy out on Nicole's family.
May they heal from this tragedy. And may we all learn something from this day.

JRS
Arcata, Ca.
anonymous

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
Or killed.
That little girl was innocent and did not deserve to lose her life because of the stupidity of others.
It's gotten to where I am terrified to drive anymore. Everytime I get on the freeway, there is some maniac either paying zero attention or driving like they are the only person in the world who needs to be somewhere. Or, just being dumb and acting like they are on a sanctioned speedway somewhere.
We all need to take a lesson from this tragedy and slow down. Be mindful of others. Life is not a video game where you get to crash and start over.

My heart and prayers go out to the family and loved ones who have been so hurt by this senseless trauma.
Anonymous

there you go again, jefferey.

now you really are a jerk arent you.

please leave this thread as you are here for your own age3nda.
Reader

Wow, thank you for your comment. I too, am so sad for this family. I pray they can all find comfort within themselfs. Thank you to all the people who were there to help with the Mother and the other two young girls. My prayers are with the family and friends of all involved.
JRS wrote:
October 6th 2008
Nicole was only eight, or so I was told.
She took her last breath today.
I know nothing of her eight years here on earth.
I only know she didn't need to go in such a tragic way.
As I sat in my office which overlooks Hwy 299 a tremendous crashing sound erupted from out on the Hwy.
I saw the power pole drop to the ground with the heavy load of wires quickly following.
Someone was hurt, they needed help.
At the crash site, two young girls were walking around dazed not knowing what was happening.
One I find out is the twin of Nicole.
A business acquaintance of mine was just behind Nicole's mom's car westbound on Hwy 299.
He was nearly hit as two cars raced by at very high speed.
He witnessed one of them clipping the car Nicole's mom was driving.
One of the cars that was racing also tumbled and ended upside down along the embankment next to Boyd Road.
Both occupants were removed but appeared unhurt.
Nicole's mom was not so lucky, she was crying out for information on the status of her girls while wedged in her seat.
What do you say to a mom whose only concern while trapped in an upside down car is the well being of her girls?
Nicole's sister will not know the twin she spent her entire life with.
My heart was broken today. Broken for a little girl I did not even know.
As we removed her from the wreckage it was all I could do to keep my composure.
What a tragedy, An entire family and a circle of friends burdened with the grief brought upon them from irresponsible actions.
I have nine grandchildren. I have twin granddaughters that are almost two.
When I heard the news that I was going to have twin granddaughters, I daydreamed of all the joy they would bring to our family.
I could see the mischief they would get into as they grew up and wondered how life could be any better.
Nicole was someone's granddaughter. a twin granddaughter. I ache inside for all the lost memories that were yet to come.
Hug your kids today. Hug your grand kids today or as soon as you get the chance.
Let the ones you love know how much you love them. Say the words.
May God pour his mercy out on Nicole's family.
May they heal from this tragedy. And may we all learn something from this day.
JRS
Arcata, Ca.
nobody

Has anyone posted a reward, and if not what would it take to get started? I'm sure by reading this thread that we and many others could get one started. I'm not at all wealthy but I would start with $100.00
A-town parent

Native wrote:
I hope they check with Arcata and McKinleyville High for any students who own a siver mustang with a back convertible top. I would believe this was the act of a high school kid. Stupid is as stupid does.
What makes you think it was a Arcata or McKinleyville student? Did you even read how old the lady was in the Pontiac? 40 and from Willow Creek. Everyone needs to stop the bashing and help look for the other car involved.
Mckinleyville Family

Is it true that the driver of the Mustang has been found?
Hello

The person who noted "Ask around at the Casino, Silver Mustang, regular visitor possibly....hmmmmmm?"
That would be my brother, and you can recognize his mustang easily by looking at the license plate and rims.
The rims are 18's and chrome.
He was not involved in this accident, he just happens to be driving a car that matches the description.
Anonymous

try looking in Hoopa
billy

suvs roll real safe car, as far as the girl that sucks,
tkb

my heart goes out to the family of the little girl, close family friends. please pray for their family and the chp to find all parties involved in this crime. what a heartless decision to be a reckless driver. they have taken away a daughter, a sister, a niece, a friend. i am just about to enter college and when i first herd what happened i thought about all the things this recklace driver took away from this liitle girl and her family. prom and college, marriage and a career, she will not be able to experience any of these things and many more because of these dangerous drivers. please drive carfully, your decisions on the road affect many others than yourself.

Parent of McK Kids

JRS wrote:
October 6th 2008
Nicole was only eight, or so I was told.
She took her last breath today.
I know nothing of her eight years here on earth.
I only know she didn't need to go in such a tragic way.
As I sat in my office which overlooks Hwy 299 a tremendous crashing sound erupted from out on the Hwy.
I saw the power pole drop to the ground with the heavy load of wires quickly following.
Someone was hurt, they needed help.
At the crash site, two young girls were walking around dazed not knowing what was happening.
One I find out is the twin of Nicole.
A business acquaintance of mine was just behind Nicole's mom's car westbound on Hwy 299.
He was nearly hit as two cars raced by at very high speed.
He witnessed one of them clipping the car Nicole's mom was driving.
One of the cars that was racing also tumbled and ended upside down along the embankment next to Boyd Road.
Both occupants were removed but appeared unhurt.
Nicole's mom was not so lucky, she was crying out for information on the status of her girls while wedged in her seat.
What do you say to a mom whose only concern while trapped in an upside down car is the well being of her girls?
Nicole's sister will not know the twin she spent her entire life with.
My heart was broken today. Broken for a little girl I did not even know.
As we removed her from the wreckage it was all I could do to keep my composure.
What a tragedy, An entire family and a circle of friends burdened with the grief brought upon them from irresponsible actions.
I have nine grandchildren. I have twin granddaughters that are almost two.
When I heard the news that I was going to have twin granddaughters, I daydreamed of all the joy they would bring to our family.
I could see the mischief they would get into as they grew up and wondered how life could be any better.
Nicole was someone's granddaughter. a twin granddaughter. I ache inside for all the lost memories that were yet to come.
Hug your kids today. Hug your grand kids today or as soon as you get the chance.
Let the ones you love know how much you love them. Say the words.
May God pour his mercy out on Nicole's family.
May they heal from this tragedy. And may we all learn something from this day.
JRS
Arcata, Ca.
Thank you!
Heartbroken

I've just read all of the above comments, some are sad and heartfelt some are petty and not aknowledging that a very young life has been lost and she will never get to experience life as we know it. I have lived in the 299 area all of my life and I just hope that this serves some sort of message to the stupid wrecklessness that occurs on a day to day basis. My heart breaks for these people everytime I look at my two little girls, lets keep our eyes on the ball folks.
AlcheMe

I know the mom in this accident and am absolutely heartbroken for the loss of one of her beautiful little girls. Those girls were a gift after a long time of trying and hoping for a child. I have also heard (from someone who knows someone who knows him) that the Mustang driver who fled the scene has already contacted police. As far as a grown adult participating in the other car...shameful is an understatement. Disgusting and immoral.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers...I can only hope that this senseless loss and severe injury will somehow bring some good in the future...
Heather

the two little girls played with my boys next door at my friends the neighbor to the family, i am in complete shock after learning it was them. i am so sorry and cant imagine what they are going through.
i have twins myself and although they are only 2 they start getting freaked out when there away from each other for more than a couple hours, the heartbrake not only that family but the other twin girl is going to have to live with for the rest of her life is unbearable to think about.
Brad n Debbie

Earth is mising an angel and Heaven just got a new one... Nicole our little angel, we will miss you.You where truly sent from heaven.. so sad that they needed you back so soon...You always will have our hearts and our love...There you will live forever.....
Brad & Deb
Bluesman

Earl Scheib wrote:
Hey I think a Silver Mustang came in
for one our $29.95 Paint Jobs...
Oops!(And that dates me!)
Real bad taste there Earl.
Oh my

My prayers go out to the family. As for everyone's advice on where to find the mustang in Humboldt, what if it was a person traveling through?
Jen

mack resident and friend wrote:
Ask around at the Casino, Silver Mustang, regular visitor possibly....hmmmmmm?
If you knew as much as you act like you know, you would already realize that the person whom you speak of would never leave the scene of an accident!
Humboldt County

If you had a Silver Mustang with an convertable top in Humboldt , YOU would know who else has your car , this is a classic muscle car guy thing.
If you drive a Mustang with a black top and have any..... do your job as a human being and find this person or people are going to be looking at your car and thinking " maybe this guy is a dirt bag coward " remember this will never go unsolved only 200,000 people in humboldt.
or not

In response to: "...top in Humboldt , YOU would know who else has your car..."
I disagree. I have seen my same car around town and have NO idea who drives it. Some people just like a particular car and don't have a big ego about it. The muscle car guy thing pertains to only some.
Eureka teen

My little brother went to school with those girls
and when he found out he was shocked
i cant even imagine what it would be like to lose a twin
and not only has she lost her best friend, her sister she also has to go through the grieving process without her mom because her mom isnt at home right now
she saw her sister dead on the side of the road
that must have been a truamatizing expireience
my prayers go out to that family
they need prayer now
My prayers go out to that family
Secular Society Now

Boobaloo wrote:
Hang Him!
Use them as organ donors first
Humboldt County

The Humboldt you are more likly to see a F-350 Ford or Toyota or a Mom car , this is not Texas with tons of people 25,000 or so , people live here when the collage is in + rains all the time , so hardly no ones owns a convertable car , 48 deg this morning.
The only point is , once agein my heart goes out to the family , this act of leaving the sceen of accident , rollover where someone needs help from another human being and you just drive away and leave someone to suffer.
I just hope the people see this and make this right and if they do not , can you live with this for the rest of your life?
If this happened to your family how would you treat the situation?
To the drive of the Pontiac , you better open your mouth and give some better info , the only thing in Prison , yes were people go when the kill people ,
They do not like cowards who kill the innocent of this world !!

anonymous
heard on streets wrote:
check valley west area,devlin court,
Why would you say check valley west, devlin court?
Jeffrey Lytle

There are a couple more articles out by the T-S this am. Many heartfelt comments as well.

Since there are now two people indentified in the Buick(?), is there also two people who got a first hand look at the driver in the mustang, or passenger if there was one?
Jeffrey Lytle
McKinleyville - 5th District

madeline nuttter
Dear Nicole i am a sister of your friend from dance. my sister misses you a lot. I know that i didn't know you that well at all, but i still miss you if you see a guy named Kevin tell him i said hi and that we all miss him a lot.

kassidee gorge
hey Nicole. even though i didnt know you very much and you didnt know me when i heard what happened i was crushed. right now i am righting this and on tv i keep hearing the song that reminds me of you. It called... In the arms of an angel. i always think of you when i hear that song and i always will. evryone around you loved you and they always will. so good luck in heavin. hope to see you soon. bye.

Daisy Nutter
Hey Nicole the dance team is really missing you, we could really use you.You will be in my heart forever.I always will remember the time we met when we were 5 years old at Healthsport day camp.I found out from my friend Venice she just said "someone died." and then she was quiet.Then a hour later i asked who and I knew you were on her soccer team and she said Nicole.At recess it really hit me that you were gone. So I called my dad and told him and he drove me to his work and I sat there and thought about you for 3 hours.Then I went back to my school.I will think about you forever and I think this will be one of the hardest things I will ever have to write.I love you and you'll be will be with me forever.

ASAIN INVASION
i myself was once a racer but not on the streets where danger is. I do it at the drags. It's people like this that gives us racer a bad reputation. I personally hate people like these too. I have two kids of my own and if that was one of mine..he better hopes that the copes find him before i do.
love

money wrote:
this is sad racing cars on the highway with innocent other drivers is a shame. you should think about the life of others before you go doing something as stupid as that. Now you have an 8 year old girl who cant be what she wanted to be. you have sisters who lost their sister, parents who lost their innocent sweet little girl. i was at the hospital last night watching the families grieve. what a shame and i hope you get caught.
MAY I ASK WHO THIS IS? because i need ur name!
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009

08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

Note: there were other articles in the Eureka Reporter, but none are available online anymore.

TS - New driver named in fatal collision

◼ New driver named in fatal collision

The California Highway Patrol has identified a new individual as one of the drivers involved in a suspected illegal street race that killed a 9-year-old girl.

Jason B. Whitmill, 31, has been named the driver of a Pontiac Sunbird involved in the alleged race. A Chevrolet Tahoe also traveling on State Route 299 was clipped by a car speeding at 90 miles per hour or more, according to CHP.

The Sunbird and the Tahoe went off the road. The collision killed 9-year-old Nicole Quigley, and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, after their vehicle -- the Tahoe -- overturned and hit a utility pole.

A third person of interest, the driver of a silver Ford Mustang, is still at large.

According to CHP information, Whitmill was arrested the night of the collision for violating his parole. He is being held in the Humboldt County jail. On Wednesday evening, charges had not been filed, but are pending.

Whitmill suffered minor injuries in the wreck, CHP reported.

Cheri Marcelli, who was hospitalized after the crash, was previously named as the Sunbird's driver. Her name was removed from an updated collision report.

Authorities continue the search for a silver Ford Mustang, possibly a convertible, with a black top. After receiving numerous tips, investigators with CHP wrote in a release that “not all owners of a silver Ford Mustang are involved in this case,” and advised people to be respectful of others' privacy when gathering information.

”The CHP is still attempting to identify the driver, or any passengers of the silver Ford Mustang with a black convertible top and has been following up on numerous leads from the public,” a release stated. “The driver of the silver Ford Mustang is considered a person of interest only in the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 822-5981.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.

TS - Search continues for other driver in fatal crash

◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash

Police throughout Humboldt County continued the search Tuesday for the silver, black-topped Mustang authorities suspect was racing with another car when a third vehicle was struck, killing a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl.

Sgt. Brett Fabbri with the California Highway Patrol said investigators believe Cheri Marcelli, a 40-year-old Willow Creek woman, was driving one of the cars involved in the impromptu drag race on State Route 299 Monday at around 4:30 p.m., and they are asking for the public's help to find the driver of the other vehicle.

Fabbri said authorities believe there may have been more than two people riding in the black-topped silver Mustang, which may have been a convertible.

”We've got a pretty good idea of what occurred,” Fabbri said. “A 9-year-old child died in this crash. (The community) should do the right thing, and if anyone has any information, they should come forward.”

Nicole Quigley, 9, was killed, and her mother, Debra Quigley, seriously injured, when their 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe was clipped by a car speeding at 90 miles per hour or more, according to CHP.

Both Marcelli's 2004 Pontiac Sunbird and the Tahoe drove off an embankment.

According to CHP information, the Tahoe slammed into a utility pole, and stopped moving on Boyd Road, which parallels Route 299. The Sunbird came to rest on its roof.

Humboldt County Deputy Coroner Charles Comer said Debra Quigley suffered injuries to her torso and neck.

Debra Quigley was transported to Mad River Hospital, and later flown to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford for treatment. Personnel there confirmed Tuesday she had been downgraded from serious to fair condition, and was removed from intensive care.

Fabbri said two other passengers were riding in the Tahoe, including Nicole Quigley's twin sister and a friend. Both of the other passengers sustained minor injures and walked away from the wreck, Fabbri said.

Marcelli was transported to Mad River Hospital with major injuries. Fabbri said investigators have attempted interviews with her.

”We're still working out what her involvement is,” he said, “but she's not being the most cooperative.”

Fabbri said no charges have been filed against Marcelli as it is still too early in the investigation. Fabbri said investigators are now sifting through the tips -- he estimated around 60 -- authorities received from the public Tuesday.

At Nicole's school, Dow's Prairie Elementary, Principal Jane Rowland said the school library was set up to be a counseling center for the children Tuesday and a letter was sent home to parents saying services were available if needed.

Rowland said the parents of students in Nicole's class were notified the night before so the children wouldn't learn the news when they arrived at school. She said Tuesday was difficult for students and staff and she would be watching to see how students were doing today, saying elementary school aged children often find comfort in keeping their routines during difficult times.

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 822-5981.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009

08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.

TS - New driver named in fatal collision

◼ New driver named in fatal collision
The California Highway Patrol has identified a new individual as one of the drivers involved in a suspected illegal street race that killed a 9-year-old girl.

Jason B. Whitmill, 31, has been named the driver of a Pontiac Sunbird involved in the alleged race. A Chevrolet Tahoe also traveling on State Route 299 was clipped by a car speeding at 90 miles per hour or more, according to CHP.

The Sunbird and the Tahoe went off the road. The collision killed 9-year-old Nicole Quigley, and seriously injured her mother, Debra Quigley, after their vehicle -- the Tahoe -- overturned and hit a utility pole.

A third person of interest, the driver of a silver Ford Mustang, is still at large.

According to CHP information, Whitmill was arrested the night of the collision for violating his parole. He is being held in the Humboldt County jail. On Wednesday evening, charges had not been filed, but are pending.

Whitmill suffered minor injuries in the wreck, CHP reported.

Cheri Marcelli, who was hospitalized after the crash, was previously named as the Sunbird's driver. Her name was removed from an updated collision report.

Authorities continue the search for a silver Ford Mustang, possibly a convertible, with a black top. After receiving numerous tips, investigators with CHP wrote in a release that “not all owners of a silver Ford Mustang are involved in this case,” and advised people to be respectful of others' privacy when gathering information.

”The CHP is still attempting to identify the driver, or any passengers of the silver Ford Mustang with a black convertible top and has been following up on numerous leads from the public,” a release stated. “The driver of the silver Ford Mustang is considered a person of interest only in the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 822-5981.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009

08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.

TS - Authorities arrest driver of Mustang

◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang
After an extensive search across Humboldt County, authorities believe they have located the driver of a silver Mustang allegedly involved in an illegal street race Monday that killed a 9-year-old McKinleyville girl.

Anthony Flores, a 19-year-old man from Eureka, was arrested at his workplace Thursday afternoon, said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Brett Fabbri.

”We have located the driver of the silver Mustang,” said Sgt. Brett Fabbri. “He was arrested and is in jail.”

Flores is being held on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run. No formal charges have been filed with the District Attorney's Office, but Fabbri said those should come soon. The Mustang has not been located, but CHP said it is a 1998 convertible that has been “spray-painted black” and was last seen Wednesday by a witness in McKinleyville.

Flores was reportedly one of two men involved in the alleged street race. According to police reports, the two vehicles were speeding at more than 90 miles per hour on State Route 299 late Monday afternoon when the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire clipped a Chevrolet Tahoe driving the same direction.

Both the Sunfire and the Tahoe flipped from the roadway. The Tahoe overturned and hit a utility pole, killing Nicole Quigley and seriously injuring her mother, Debra Quigley.

The Mustang sped away, prompting a search by law enforcement.

The driver of the Sunfire, Jason Bradley Whitmill, 31, was arrested at the scene through a parole hold. Thursday afternoon Fabbri said Whitmill had not been charged with vehicular manslaughter, but he expected to see those charges filed soon.

Blood samples, taken from Whitmill at the scene, showed he had recently been drinking alcohol. Fabbri said the upcoming charges will reflect that.

Whitmill suffered minor injuries in the collision. Cheri Marcelli, his passenger who suffered moderate injuries, told authorities she had been driving the vehicle in order to keep Whitmill out of trouble, Fabbri said.

Police records show Whitmill has a history of erratic driving and drug use.

In January, Whitmill pleaded guilty to evading a police officer and wanton disregard for safety.

According to a police report, in December an officer located Whitmill, a “parolee at large,” driving in Eureka. When Whitmill saw the officer, he reportedly sped away. The officer reported Whitmill was later found after he fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.

Officers found a large quantity of marijuana and hash inside Whitmill's vehicle, but the drug charges were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.

Flores is expected to be arraigned early next week.

Anyone who has seen his vehicle, license number 6EMK473, is asked to call 911 or 268-2000.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.
***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009

08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.

TS - Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash

◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash

Jason Bradley Whitmill faces a charge of first-degree murder for his alleged role in the car race on State Route 299 that resulted in the Oct. 6 crash that claimed the life of 9-year-old Nicole Quigley.

Whitmill, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge at his arraignment Tuesday, and also entered not guilty pleas to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury, vehicular manslaughter and engaging in a speed contest.

The man Whitmill was allegedly racing with, Anthony Marques Flores, also appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter, engaging in a speed contest and leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury.

Whitmill remains held on $1 million bail, while Flores remains held on $250,000 bail.

Public Defender Laura Cutler was assigned to represent Whitmill and Deputy Conflict Council Kaleb Cockrum was assigned to defend Flores, after both told the court they could not afford an attorney.

Cutler declined to comment on the case and Cockrum could not be reached by deadline.

Whitmill was allegedly driving a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire when he and Flores, who was driving a now infamous 1998 Mustang convertible, allegedly began racing, reportedly reaching speeds of more than 90 mph while barreling down State Route 299.

During the alleged race, Whitmill's Sunfire reportedly clipped a Chevrolet Tahoe that was driving the same direction, and carrying Debra Quigley, her twin daughters and one of their friends. Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat said in an e-mail to the Times-Standard that he thinks the evidence will show that Whitmill tried to pass between the Mustang and the Tahoe at a high rate of speed and ended up colliding with them both.

The impact of the collision caused both the Sunfire and the Tahoe to veer from the road and down an embankment.

The Tahoe came to rest after slamming into a utility pole at an unknown rate of speed. Nine-year-old Nicole Quigley reportedly died instantly from the impact of the collision, and Debra Quigley reportedly suffered injuries to her torso and neck and was later flown to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Ore., for treatment.

Nicole Quigley's twin sister and the other passenger reportedly suffered minor injuries and walked away from the wreckage.
The accident reportedly left the Sunfire resting on its roof, and its passenger, 40-year-old Cheri Marcelli, of Willow Creek, with major injuries. She has since been released from Mad River Community Hospital. Whitmill reportedly escaped the crash uninjured, but was taken into custody at the scene on a parole hold.

Flores reportedly fled the scene of the accident, spawning a days-long search for him and his car, which he reportedly spray painted black after the accident. Flores was arrested Oct. 9, after local law enforcement received dozens of tips about the whereabouts of silver Mustangs all over the county. Flores' car was recovered a couple of days later.

Tuesday, members of the Quigley family and supporters were present for Flores' and Whitmill's arraignments.

Keat said the District Attorney's Office has been in contact with the family, and is attempting to help them understand the legal process that is now unfolding.

While elements of malice and planning are generally required for a first-degree murder charge, University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said those elements aren't necessary for this charge, as Whitmill is alleged to have committed a separate felony, driving under the influence, that also led to Nicole Quigley's death.

”It's a rule of criminal law that if you commit 'felony A,' and in the course of committing 'felony A' a death takes place, even if you didn't intend for that death to take place, you can be charged with first-degree murder,” Levine said. “The commission of this separate felony DUI is what enables the prosecutor to charge murder. And, of course, that leaves tremendous leverage for a plea bargain. It's certainly legitimate (for the prosecutor) to charge up like that.”

Keat said, as a parent, he has a tremendous amount of empathy for what the Quigleys are going through right now.
”As a parent, you send your child out in the world, or in this case you're out there with them,” Keat said, his voice trailing off. “It's just unthinkable.”

Thadeus Greenson can be reached at 441-0509 or tgreenson@times-standard.com
Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
Posted: 10/15/2008 01:21:20 AM PDT

***
Related:
09
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores take District Attorney's deal 12/05/2009
◼ Jury selection begins in trial of Whitmill, Flores 11/23/2009
◼ Whitmill, Flores trial to proceed 11/10/2009
◼ Motion denied to suppress blood sample in Whitmill case 11/06/2009
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Quigley family, friends remember 9-year-old Nicole 10/06/09
◼ Nearly one year ago 10/01/2009
◼ Case surrounding fatal crash on Highway 299 delayed 09/15/2009
◼ Too many delays 9/10/09
◼ Legal maneuvers slow case of men charged in 9-year-old's death 09/01/2009
◼ Whitmill and Flores trial date delayed another month 08/04/2009
◼ Evidence, charges unchanged against Whitmill 07/17/2009
◼ Evidence for second degree murder charge? 06/19/2009
◼ Thinking of the Quigleys 05/29/2009
◼ Remember Nicole 05/08/2009
◼ Looking forward: Quigley family watches and waits as case continues 05/17/2009
◼ Defendants in 299 wreck plead not guilty 03/28/2009
◼ Judge holds Whitmill, Flores to answer for 299 wreck 03/14/2009
◼ Wife refuses to testify against husband at preliminary hearing 03/13/2009
◼ Investigator testifies suspect in fatal crash changed story 03/12/2009
◼ Officer testifies about 299 crash at prelim 03/11/2009
◼ Preliminary hearing over Highway 299 wreck continues 03/10/2009
◼ Superior Court delays hearing in 299 crash case 02/11/2009
◼ Broken system 01/23/2009

08
◼ Hug your children 12/03/2008
◼ Vehicular manslaughter suspect has extensive criminal history 11/13/2008
◼ Whitmill-Flores hearing continued 11/06/2008
◼ Street race case waiting on CHP reports 10/23/2008
◼ Authorities seek Mustang passenger for questioning 10/17/2008
◼ Court document: Flores tried to 'subvert' investigation 10/16/08
◼ Whitmill faces murder charge for alleged role in crash 10/15/2008
◼ Authorities arrest driver of Mustang 10/10/2008
◼ New driver named in fatal collision 10/09/2008
◼ Search continues for other driver in fatal crash 10/08/2008
◼ ER Parolee named as driver in fatal collision
◼ TS New driver identified in fatal crash
◼ TS New driver named in fatal collision
TS Update: ☛ TS Police still looking for driver
◼ TS Driver sought: Suspected drag race on 299 results in fatal crash

Note: there were other articles in the Eureka reporter, but none are available online anymore.