Bail Reduction Denied For Man Accused Of Killing SWR Boy

MURRIETA, CA — A judge Wednesday denied a bail reduction request from a probationer accused of running over and killing a 10-year-old Lake Elsinore boy.

David Loperena, 25, of Lake Elsinore is charged with vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death and sentence-enhancing allegations of fleeing the scene of a crime and causing an accident that resulted in a fatality for the March 13 death of Anthony Ochoa.

Loperena's attorney, Chris Whelton, submitted a motion to Riverside County Superior Court Judge Kelly Hansen arguing for a modification to the defendant's $75,000 bond requirement, but the judge would not lower the amount based on the case history.

Loperena remains in custody at the Byrd Detention Center in French Valley. Hansen scheduled a felony settlement conference for April 30 at the Southwest Justice Center.

According to sheriff's officials, Anthony and his sister were crossing at the intersection of Langstaff Street and Sumner Avenue, en route to a relative's house, when Loperena allegedly came barreling down Langstaff in his pickup truck and struck the boy about 7:20 p.m.

Witnesses said the youngster rolled onto the hood of the pickup, landing on the windshield. The driver slowed long enough for the unconscious boy to slide off of the vehicle, then sped away, according to witnesses and investigators.

Anthony's sibling was not injured.

The Elsinore Elementary School student was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he died a short time later.

With the help of good Samaritans, detectives were able to identify Loperena's Chevrolet as the one allegedly involved in the hit-and-run. The probationer was arrested without a struggle at his Limited Avenue residence on the evening of March 14.

According to court records, he has prior misdemeanor convictions for driving under the influence and theft.

SEE PREVIOUS:

• Boy, 10, Killed In Lake Elsinore Hit-And-Run: Police
• Man Arrested In Deadly Lake Elsinore Hit-And-Run Of Young Boy

— By City News Service / Image via Riverside County Sheriff's Department