Wrongful-Death Suit Filed Over Drag Race
The father of a 14-year-old boy killed last year during an illegal drag race has filed a wrongful-death suit against the racers and an off-duty sheriff’s deputy who witnessed the crash.
In his lawsuit filed last week, John R. Gomez blames the driver, Mykel Balderas, for the death of his son because Balderas was allegedly driving while drunk on March 31, 2002. The lawsuit also accuses street racer Andre Mucelroy and Williford Burton III, a flag man, for organizing the race.
Jonathan Gomez and an 18-year-old man died after a car slammed into a crowd watching the race. Several others suffered broken legs or scrapes.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
