An Apple employee has been charged with murder following a vehicle collision near Apple Park in Cupertino, California, that killed a two-year-old girl and seriously injured the woman caring for her.
Eric Chen Su, 38, faces charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the November 6 crash near the intersection of North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, close to the Apple Park Visitor Center. The charges were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, citing information from authorities. The allegations have not been proven in court.
According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Su was allegedly driving at nearly 100 mph when his vehicle struck the rear of a car stopped at a red light. Two-year-old Riley Howard and her babysitter were taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Riley died from her injuries, while the babysitter survived.
Su was initially arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. Prosecutors subsequently filed the murder and assault charges, and he appeared in court on November 10. No plea was entered at that hearing, according to ABC7 News. His next hearing is scheduled for November 30.
Apple expressed its condolences in a statement provided to MacRumors, saying its thoughts were with those grieving and thanking the emergency responders who assisted at the scene. Apple has not publicly confirmed whether Su remains employed by the company or has been placed on leave.
A memorial has been established near the site of the collision in remembrance of Riley. The criminal case remains ongoing, and Su is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty. The loss of a young child’s life has left her family and the wider community grieving.