Costa Mesa Man Convicted of Murder in Bicyclist Death

News Summary

Richard David Lavalle, 64, has been convicted of second-degree murder for a drug-fueled collision that killed 12-year-old bicyclist Noel Bascon. The incident occurred when Lavalle, under the influence of methamphetamine, struck Bascon while driving at high speed. Despite efforts to revive the boy, he succumbed to his injuries. Lavalle’s previous DUI record and the evidence presented during the trial led to his conviction, with sentencing set for June 27.

Costa Mesa – Richard David Lavalle, 64, was convicted of second-degree murder on Thursday for his involvement in a drug-fueled collision that resulted in the death of 12-year-old bicyclist Noel Bascon. The incident happened on December 6, 2020, at the intersection of Junipero and Arlington drives in Costa Mesa, where Bascon was riding his bike at the time of the tragic encounter.

During the trial, Senior Deputy District Attorney Casey Cunningham presented evidence indicating that Lavalle was impaired by methamphetamine when the incident occurred. A field sobriety test conducted after the collision revealed Lavalle’s inability to stand on one leg without stumbling, a clear indication of his impairment. Observations made by law enforcement indicated Lavalle exhibited physical signs of drug use, including red eyes and blisters on his tongue.

Initially, Lavalle was suspected of being under the influence of marijuana; however, toxicology reports later confirmed methamphetamine was present in his system at the time of the crash. The prosecutor argued that Lavalle knowingly endangered the lives of others by choosing to consume drugs and drive.

The collision unfolded when Glen Bascon, Noel’s father, witnessed Lavalle’s truck approaching at high speed. He attempted to alert Lavalle by shouting for him to stop, but was unable to prevent the collision. The impact of the truck was devastating, reportedly throwing Noel approximately 120 feet from the point of impact.

After the crash, Bascon searched for his son and discovered Noel’s bicycle crumpled beneath Lavalle’s truck. Attempts to revive Noel were made by a nearby nurse and a former Costa Mesa police officer, Chasen Gaunt, until paramedics arrived at the scene.

A blood draw conducted on the night of the incident indicated that Lavalle had 115 nanograms of methamphetamine in his system, contributing to the prosecution’s case in highlighting his impaired state while driving. Lavalle’s criminal history was also brought to light during the proceedings; he had a previous DUI conviction in 2013, which ultimately elevated his charges to second-degree murder.

Lavalle’s defense attorney presented arguments claiming the crash was a tragic accident and asserted that Lavalle felt remorse for the incident. The defense further contended that the levels of methamphetamine found in Lavalle’s system were too low to cause significant impairment and suggested that the drug belonged to Lavalle’s wife, who was a passenger in the truck at the time of the collision.

In addition to previous DUI incidents, Lavalle’s criminal record includes convictions for armed bank robbery in 2009 and robbery in 2018. As a result, he faces a substantial sentence, with a scheduled court date for sentencing set on June 27. Lavalle could potentially receive a prison term ranging from 30 years to life as a consequence of his conviction for second-degree murder.

This tragic case has brought attention to the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. The details of this incident and the subsequent legal proceedings underscore the importance of safe driving practices and the tragic consequences that can arise from negligence and substance abuse.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Man Convicted of DUI Fatality
• Google Search: Impaired Driving
• My News LA: DUI Conviction in Costa Mesa Case
• Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
• ABC7: Costa Mesa DUI Crash Report
• Google News: DUI Accidents
• Orange County Register: DUI Collision Case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: DUI