News Summary
Richard David Lavalle, a 64-year-old Long Beach resident, has been sentenced to 30 years to life for causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence of drugs, resulting in the death of 12-year-old Noel Bascon. The incident occurred in Costa Mesa when Lavalle’s truck struck Noel as he rode his bicycle. Lavalle admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine at the time. This case highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving and has drawn attention to substance abuse issues in the community.
Long Beach – Richard David Lavalle, a 64-year-old resident of Long Beach, has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for driving under the influence of drugs when he caused a fatal collision that resulted in the death of 12-year-old Noel Bascon. The sentencing occurred on September 5, following a jury’s verdict on May 15, 2023, that convicted Lavalle of second-degree murder in the tragic incident that took place on December 6, 2020.
The collision occurred in Costa Mesa at the intersection of Junipero and Arlington drives, where Noel was riding his bicycle alongside his father. Lavalle, operating a U-Haul pickup truck, ran a stop sign and struck Noel, despite being within a protected crosswalk marked with reflectors and lights. Witnesses, including Noel’s father, reported that Lavalle’s truck was traveling at a high speed when the accident happened, estimated between 40 to 50 mph.
Tragically, Noel was thrown from his bicycle and succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital. Lavalle, who was driving the pickup, admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the collision, which was confirmed by a subsequent blood test.
This incident marked a significant point in Lavalle’s criminal history, which includes a prior federal bank robbery conviction in 2009 and a robbery conviction in 2018. These previous convictions played a role in enhancing his sentencing. Lavalle also had a past DUI conviction in San Diego County, with legal warnings indicating that continued negligent behavior could result in serious legal consequences, including potential murder charges if someone were harmed or killed in an accident.
During the trial, Lavalle’s attorney expressed that he felt deep remorse for the accident and attempted to highlight a distinction between Lavalle’s current behavior and his past criminal actions. The defense also mentioned Lavalle’s background, indicating that he is a U.S. Marine veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. At the time of the incident, Lavalle’s wife was a passenger in the truck, but she has since passed away due to a drug overdose.
In a powerful statement, the presiding judge, Michael J. Cassidy, acknowledged the profound tragedy of the case and its long-standing effects on Noel’s family. Noel’s mother shared the emotional turmoil the family is enduring, describing their situation as a “life without our son” following his untimely death.
The case has attracted significant public interest and prompted discussions about the dangers of impaired driving and the serious consequences of substance abuse. It serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the potential outcomes associated with driving under the influence, especially in instances involving vulnerable pedestrians such as children.
As the community processes the repercussions of this incident, it exemplifies the dire need for continued awareness and preventative measures against impaired driving, which poses risks not only to the driver but also to many innocent individuals on the road.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Collision Causes Traffic Disruptions on Costa Mesa Freeway
DUI Crash in Santa Ana Claims Life of Bicyclist
Bicyclist Killed in Santa Ana Accident
Huntington Beach Investigates Two Fatal Traffic Collisions
Lake Forest Man Sentenced for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
Huntington Beach: Fatal Collision Involving Motorcyclist and Tow Truck
Tragic Death of Teenage Soccer Player in Costa Mesa
Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Newport Beach
Santa Ana Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Manslaughter
Unlicensed Driver Crashes Into Homes in Huntington Beach
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Long Beach Driver Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- My News LA: Bank Robber Sentenced
- Google Search: Impaired Driving Consequences
- OC Register: Costa Mesa Dog Voting Case
- Google Scholar: Public Awareness Impaired Driving
- LA Times: DUI Fatal Conviction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- New Santa Ana: LA Gangbangers Arrested
- Google News: Substance Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
