Man Charged In Motorcycle Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old: Stamford PD

STAMFORD, CT — A 58-year-old Stamford man has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a 17-year-old boy in May of this year, according to a news release from the Stamford Police Department.

Hector Rolando Lemus-Portillo turned himself in at the Stamford Police Department on Friday on a warrant that charges him with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and failure to yield while turning left, according to a news release from the SPD.

Police have not publicly released the name of the boy, but he was identified as Connor Wilcox, a junior at Stamford High School.

The crash unfolded at approximately 9:13 p.m., on May 17 when a 2020 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Wilcox, was headed northbound on Lockwood Avenue, and a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Lemus-Portillo, was headed south.

At the intersection of Lockwood Avenue and William Street, the Toyota tried to make a left turn and entered the path of the motorcycle, police said. The motorcycle tried to stop but couldn't, and struck the front end of the Toyota.

Police said Lemus-Portillo remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Wilcox was taken to Stamford Hospital where he later died. Police said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the boy died from multiple blunt force traumas as a result of the crash.

Following a lengthy investigation, police said they found Lemus-Portillo at fault for the crash and investigators applied for an arrest warrant which was ultimately granted.

A makeshift memorial was erected on a utility pole near the intersection with William Street in the days after Wilcox's death. It featured photos of Wilcox, candles, balloons, stuffed animals, and messages written on paper posted to the pole and in chalk on the sidewalk.

Wilcox was remembered for his blue eyes, smile and loving nature toward others, according to his obituary.

"His passing leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our family, Connor's charm and ability to make us smile with his comedic personality is irreplaceable. He made friends everywhere he went," his obituary said, noting friendships he made in his neighborhood, at Rogers International School and SHS.

Wilcox's friends said "he went out of his way for a lot of people," and they made note of his "unique laugh."

Lemus-Portillo was released after posting a $60,000 bond, and he's scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 8, police said.