Eric Chen Su was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon after his Toyota Camry slammed into the rear of a stopped car at nearly 100 mph in Cupertino on Friday killing two-year-old Riley Howard.
Crash Outside Apple Park
The collision occurred shortly after noon at the intersection of North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, directly in front of the Apple Park Visitor Center. The intersection sits just north of Apple Park Way, the main thoroughfare of Apple Inc. headquarters.
Investigators determined that Su, a 37- or 38-year-old Apple employee, was traveling northbound on Tantau Avenue at speeds exceeding 90 mph in a 30 mph zone when he rear-ended a Chevrolet Trax—also described as a blue Chevy sedan—that had been stopped at the intersection.
Responding firefighters discovered a pair of collided automobiles, with one vehicle engulfed in flames.
“I heard the crash and watched the car kind of spin around. It was sparking from hitting the curb I guess,” Jerry Pannone told ABC7 Eyewitness News.
Bystanders rushed to the burning car, pulled the occupants to safety, and performed CPR on the unconscious toddler before paramedics arrived.
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialists from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, while deputies closed Tantau Avenue in both directions and urged drivers to avoid the area.
People who witnessed the collision or possess relevant details are asked to reach out to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office by calling 408-868-6637.
Riley Howard and Her Babysitter Suffered Critical Injuries
Riley Howard of San Jose was properly restrained in a child safety seat in the back of the vehicle. She was rushed to Valley Medical Center in critical condition and later pronounced dead.
A woman who was in the same car, identified in court documents as her babysitter, suffered serious head and spinal injuries and remains in critical condition.
Su sustained minor injuries, including a broken finger, and was treated at a hospital before being released into custody.
Su Faces Gross Vehicular Manslaughter Charges After High Speed Crash
Su was initially arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies.
“The speedometer in his vehicle appeared to have been frozen at 100 at the time of the collision,” Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker said.
Court documents said that as an employee familiar with the area, the driver reasonably should have known that Tantau Avenue at noon on a weekday experiences heavy vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic as campus workers leave for lunch.
Witnesses at the scene described the driver’s behavior immediately following the crash as erratic and insensible, noting that his reaction was insincere and that he did not show remorse when told of the toddler’s death.
Family statements indicated a history of mental health concerns, though there were no signs of drug or alcohol impairment.
“Unquestionably, murder was the appropriate charge,” said Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker.
Su appeared in court in a wheelchair without entering a plea. His next court hearing is scheduled for November 30.
Family members, community members, and other grieving people assembled at the crash site on Saturday, November 7, placing candles, floral tributes, and a photograph of Riley at the intersection.
Earlier coverage: Apple Employee Eric Chen Su Charged With Murder in Cupertino Crash
