Boy, 13, Struck And Killed by Fleeing Burglary Suspect In Southwest Riverside County

MENIFEE, CA— A child riding his electric bike was struck and killed Tuesday evening by a fleeing burglary suspect, police say.

The boy was identified by his family as 13-year-old Cody Valentino Garcia Villatoro. "He was taken from us far too soon," a family member wrote on the GoFundMe fundraiser established in his memory.

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Shortly before 5 p.m., Menifee police arrived at a burglary in progress in the 27000 block of Hemingway Court.

"As an officer arrived, the suspect vehicle was seen leaving the location," according to Community Engagement Specialist Chase Coburn's report. "The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle traveled westbound on Holland Avenue at a high rate of speed."

At the intersection of Holland Avenue and Evans Road, the driver ran a red light and struck the boy, later identified as Cody, as he rode his electric bike northbound on Evans Road.

Officers rendered emergency medical aid to the boy until CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire personnel arrived and continued lifesaving efforts; the boy succumbed to his injuries.

Taken too soon.

"Our family is devastated by this unimaginable loss," family spokesperson Joshua Carreto said. "He was a kind, loving, and joyful child who brought happiness wherever he went. (Cody) had such a beautiful spirit and a way of making the people around him smile."

A community mourns.

On Wednesday mornings, the grief at Menifee Valley Middle School was palpable, according to a mother dropping her children off there.

Students were offered grief counseling upon their arrival, due to the sudden loss.

"There were a few groups of kids crying, huddled together. Praying they will find a way to cope with losing a friend," a mother told Patch. "He was doing everything right and the outcome was still horrible. My heart aches for his parents."

Menifee Union School District shared with families that crisis counselors would be on hand this week, in light of the recent tragic news impacting our school community."

The investigation continues.

As emergency responders did their best to help the child, Menifee Police continued their efforts to stop the vehicle responsible.

The driver evaded authorities until her vehicle became disabled. Then, officers arrested the driver and sole occupant, identified as Melody Valdez, a 21-year-old Temecula resident.

She is currently in custody at the Southwest Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including homicide, and will appear in court Friday morning at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center.

The California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded at our request and assumed responsibility for the investigation of the fatal traffic collision.

The Menifee Police Department, in coordination with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, is conducting the associated criminal investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, according to the Menifee Police Department.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has surveillance footage, dash-camera video, or other recordings that may have captured any portion of the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Garcia of the Menifee Police Department at Ogarcia@menifeepolice.org or (951) 723-1641.

A memorial is taking shape.

By midday Wednesday, the fundraiser has accumulated almost $6,000 from family, friends and those honoring Cody's memory.

"If you are unable to donate, sharing this message and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers means more to us than words can express. Thank you for helping us honor and remember our sweet Cody Valentino Garcia Villatoro."

To support his family, visit: gofundme.com/f/honor-cody-valentino-garcia-villatoros-memory