A bicycle remains on the street, a reminder of the tragic accident that occurred.
A tragic incident in Costa Mesa resulted in a man being charged with second-degree murder after a 12-year-old boy, Noel, was killed while riding his bicycle. The collision occurred when a U-Haul truck driven by Richard David Lavalle struck Noel while he was cycling with his father. Investigations revealed the driver had methamphetamine in his system and a history of DUI offenses. The community is mourning the loss of young Noel and calling for increased road safety measures.
Costa Mesa – A man has been charged with second-degree murder following a tragic incident that led to the death of a 12-year-old boy riding his bicycle. The collision occurred on December 6, 2020, at the intersection of Junipero and Arlington drives, while Glen Bascon and his son, Noel, were out cycling together in the early evening as it was getting dark.
At around 5 p.m., Glen Bascon had checked Noel’s bike for reflectors and lights to ensure their safety during the ride. They rode on the sidewalk when possible, prioritizing safety. However, as they prepared to cross the street, Glen noticed a U-Haul truck being driven by Richard David Lavalle. Glen estimated the truck was traveling at a speed between 40 to 50 mph. When Glen called out to warn his son, the truck did not slow down or stop, ultimately colliding with Noel.
The impact was severe; Noel was thrown approximately 120 feet from the initial point of contact. In the aftermath, Glen Bascon heard the sound of brakes and sought an explanation from Lavalle about why he did not stop. The bicycle was found mangled underneath the truck, while Noel was not immediately visible. Bystanders rushed to the aid of the Bascon family, including a nurse who began performing CPR on Noel until emergency services arrived.
Tragically, Noel was found unresponsive at the scene, with blood coming from his mouth. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Authorities later discovered drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in Lavalle’s truck, leading to further suspicion regarding his state during the accident.
A blood test conducted at 11:05 p.m. confirmed that Lavalle had 115 nanograms of methamphetamine in his system at the time of the collision. Moreover, Loralle has a previous conviction for driving under the influence from 2013, which contributed to the upgrade of charges from vehicular manslaughter to second-degree murder. His criminal record also includes charges for armed bank robbery and robbery, raising significant concerns regarding his history as a driver.
In his defense, Lavalle’s attorney asserted that Lavalle was fully cooperative during the investigation and suggested that the amount of methamphetamine found in his system was too low to classify as impairing his ability to drive. Additionally, Lavalle’s wife has claimed that the drugs retrieved from the vehicle belonged to her, suggesting a potential defense strategy for Lavalle.
The case will potentially involve expert testimonies regarding drug impairment, which could significantly influence Lavalle’s defense strategy as the trial progresses. The tragic loss of young Noel Bascon has resonated deeply within the Costa Mesa community, leading to calls for enhanced road safety measures, especially for bicycle riders.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and gather all pertinent information about the circumstances that led to this tragic event, while the case has opened discussions about the importance of driver responsibility and the impacts of substance abuse on road safety.
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