News Summary
Richard David Lavalle, a 64-year-old man, received a 30 years to life sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder for the death of 12-year-old Noel Gascon. Lavalle struck the boy while driving under the influence, leading to significant community mourning and a memorial established in Noel’s honor. The case highlighted the serious consequences of impaired driving, particularly given Lavalle’s criminal history and previous DUI convictions.
Long Beach, California — Richard David Lavalle, a 64-year-old man, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 12-year-old Noel Gascon. The sentencing took place following a trial that concluded with the verdict on May 5, 2023.
The tragic incident occurred on December 6, 2020, at the intersection of Arlington and Junipero drives, near TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Lavalle was driving a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck Noel, who was riding his bike with his father, Glen Bascon. At the time of the collision, the two were located within a marked crosswalk that featured reflectors and lights.
Witnesses reported that after the impact, Noel’s body was thrown approximately 120 feet. Despite immediate attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital. At the time of the accident, it was discovered that Lavalle had 115 nanograms of methamphetamine in his bloodstream. He also failed a field sobriety test and admitted to being behind the wheel of the truck.
Due to Lavalle’s previous DUI conviction in 2013, the charges were elevated from manslaughter to second-degree murder. He has a criminal history that includes a federal bank robbery conviction in 2009 as well as a robbery conviction in Los Angeles County in 2018. These prior convictions were considered during sentencing, leading to enhancements under California’s Three Strikes Law.
During the trial, Glen Bascon, Noel’s father, testified about the anguish he felt watching the incident unfold, describing the high speed at which Lavalle was driving. The emotional weight of the incident was acknowledged in court, with Judge Michael J. Cassidy emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy on Noel’s family.
In the wake of his death, the community mourned the vibrant boy known for his contagious smile. A memorial bench has been installed near the site of the accident in his honor, inscribed with the words, “In memory of Noel Bascon, forever in our hearts.” Though Lavalle’s defense attorney claimed that the crash was an accident and asserted his client’s remorse, the court ultimately found him guilty of murder due to the circumstances and his past record.
This case highlights the significant consequences arising from impaired driving, particularly when prior offenses impact sentencing. Lavalle’s lengthy prison term serves as a reminder of the tragic outcomes that can stem from such reckless behavior on the road.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Driver in DUI that killed 12-year-old Costa Mesa boy gets 30 years to life in prison
- Wikipedia: Methamphetamine
- OC Register: Long Beach driver gets 30 years to life for drug-fueled collision that killed boy
- Google Search: DUI death of Noel Gascon
- News Santa Ana: Third-strike offender convicted in meth-fueled DUI death of a Costa Mesa boy
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.
