A mother is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter following the death of a man who was allegedly struck by her son’s e-motorcycle. The incident occurred as Ed Ashman, an 81-year-old substitute teacher, was walking home from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California. The son of the bike rider, Tommi Jo Mejer, was reportedly performing stunts outside the school when he collided with Mr. Ashman and then fled the scene.
Despite warnings against allowing her son to ride the e-motorcycle illegally, the mother continued to permit him to do so. Mr. Ashman sustained critical injuries and tragically passed away about two weeks later. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the mother had essentially provided her son with a deadly weapon and failed to acknowledge the risks involved.
Charges against the mother initially included child endangerment, accessory after the fact to a crime, and other related offenses. However, these charges were later upgraded to involuntary manslaughter, along with additional counts. If convicted on all charges, she could potentially receive a maximum sentence of seven years and eight months in state prison.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with Mr. Ashman’s medical and funeral expenses. Remembered as a veteran with a distinguished military service record and a devoted family man, he leaves behind a legacy of honor and sacrifice.
