Wordless Wednesday: life of a WAHM (work at home mom)

Police say 15-year-old boy was driver in weekend fatal crash Pair of young Oaklanders web site 2002 honda civic

Oakland Tribune April 6, 2004 | STAFF REPORTS OAKLAND — The Alameda County Coroners Office has identified the two passengers who died Sunday night after the car they were riding in crashed into a tree.

The 15-year-old driver, who fled the scene of the accident, is in Highland Hospital with hand and neck injuries. Police did not release his name because he is a minor.

But they said he faces charges that could include vehicular manslaughter. Police said he was not arrested at the hospital because of his injuries.

The two dead passengers were identified as Oakland residents Patrick M. White, 18, who had been riding in the front seat, and Christopher Burnette, 17, who was riding in the right rear seat.

White was pronounced dead at the scene and Burnette died later at the hospital.

White’s mother, Marcella, said her son had been working for the family’s communication business, and hewas well liked in his Brookfield Village neighborhood.

“He seemed to know everybody from the grandparents right down to the children,” she said. “There have been people coming by the house all day long to say how sorry they are. He was so good with people.” Police said Monday the 15-year-old at first denied driving the 2002 Honda Civic but later admitted he was behind the wheel.

“He said he fled because he felt bad because his two friends were killed,” Lt. Dave Kozicki said.

Police said the youth, who lives in Oakland, does not have a driver’s license.

The deadly wreck happened around 7:07 p.m. in the 9100 block of Edes Avenue in front of an overnight delivery service office, police said.

According to traffic officers Randy Pope and Wing Wong, White and Burnette were in the parking lot of a liquor store in the 9400 block of Edes a few moments earlier when they met up with the 15-year-old.

The three were friends, police said.

Either White or Burnette — it is not yet sure which one — asked the 15-year-old if he would like to drive the Honda and when he said yes, gave him the keys, police said. The car is registered to a man police said they have not been able to locate.

The 15-year-old began driving in the westbound lanes of Edes. Police said witnesses told investigators the car was speeding and swerving around other vehicles before it hit a tree on the north side of the street.

Police could not estimate how fast the car was going, but the impact crumpled almost the entire right side and caused the driver’s airbag to activate. go to site 2002 honda civic

Police said it appears White was the only one wearing a seat belt.

Wong said the 15-year-old tried to get Burnette out of the car but became scared when he heard sirens. A friend happened to be driving by and the teen-ager got a ride to a nearby home where a relative of his was summoned.

Seeing the 15-year-old had sustained cuts and other injuries, the relative called police.

The teenager was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police said besides cuts and bruises, the boy also suffered a neck injury. He was expected to remain hospitalized for several days.

STAFF REPORTS