Crime & Safety
Young Woman, Horse Killed In Hit-And-Run: Driver Sought
The gold Nissan Pathfinder involved in the crash is likely missing a front grille, a front fender flare, and has a broken right headlight.
MEAD VALLEY, CA — Authorities have released more details about a hit-and-run crash that killed an 18-year-old woman and a horse in Mead Valley over the weekend, and investigators are hoping the public can provide leads in the case.
The crash that killed Riverside resident Michelle Leon was reported about 9:15 p.m. Sunday in the 20790 block of Markham Street, in Mead Valley, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. Despite first responders' attempts to save her, Leon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Leon, along with a 19-year-old Riverside woman, a juvenile, and a horse were in the area when a 1998-2002 gold Nissan Pathfinder heading westbound on Markham Street plowed into them.
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It's unclear how fast the Nissan driver was going, but in addition to killing Leon, the crash left the 19-year-old with life-threatening injuries. The juvenile was also hurt, although injuries were not as severe. The horse had to be euthanized at the scene, according to Quintero.
The driver fled the crash scene and continued westbound on Markham Street.
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The Nissan is likely missing a front grille, a front fender flare, and has a broken right headlight, according to Quintero.
Any witnesses who may have observed the crash, or have seen a vehicle matching the description, are encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol, Accident Investigation Unit at (951) 637-8000.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help Leon's family pay for her funeral. As of Tuesday evening, the page had raised more than $15,000. Click here to read more.
