The family of a Menifee boy killed on an e-motorcycle in a hit-and-run collision on Aug. 12 has set up a website to preserve his memory and advocate for increased e-bike safety.
Koa Quintanilla, age 15, died from injuries sustained when an e-motorcycle he was riding on Briggs Road north of Garbani Road was struck by a vehicle that fled from the scene. Police announced shortly thereafter that they had seized a white Toyota Sienna minivan believed to be the suspect vehicle, but no one has been arrested for the crime. Investigators continue to work to identify the driver in this case.
“Our team continues to utilize all available resources as we work toward bringing this investigation to a close,” said Chase Coburn, spokeswoman for the Menifee Police Department. “At this time, we do not have any additional updates to provide. We will share further information as it becomes available and when we are able to responsibly release it.”
Meanwhile, family members are gathering signatures on two online petitions designed to pursue better biking and walking paths in Menifee and perhaps an e-bike park. Both petitions can be found on the website justiceforkoa.com
“The city claims that it is ‘new development’”, said Olivia Murraffo, Koa’s aunt, in reference to a factor she has been given by city officials regarding the increase in e-bike collisions. “People living on that street have been there 30 years. That is plenty of time to focus on infrastructure for the growing population of the city.
“It is [the city’s] responsibility to ensure there are safeties set in place for the children who travel from their homes to schools on the very same street and those similar. The city has neglected their responsibility for safety for their citizens by not ensuring safe pedestrian routes on well-traveled roads.”
In addition, a peaceful protest has been scheduled for Oct. 7 at City Hall.
“Show up, stand together, and make your voice heard for Koa and for justice,” the website states. “Wear purple. Bring your #55.”
At a community town hall meeting held on Sept. 30, Menifee PD Chief Dave Gutierrez said the department has increased its efforts to impound illegal street bikes and hold parents accountable for incidents. He also said additional changes to the city’s e-bike ordinance are being considered.
“We have a study session scheduled for November to bring it to City Council and have a discussion on what that looks like, and then seek City Council input on that,” he said.
More recently, another Menifee teenager was killed while riding an e-bike. Cody Villatoro, 13, died from injuries suffered when he was struck by a vehicle fleeing from police on Sept.15. Melody Valdez, 21, entered not guilty pleas to three felony counts, including murder, this week and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
