A Southern California man is facing murder charges after two teenage girls were killed in a high-speed crash allegedly linked to an illegal street race in Victorville.
The deadly collision claimed the lives of Maddalyn Dailey, 17, and Isabell Hill, 16, close friends who were beginning their senior year of high school. Authorities say the crash occurred on August 14 and involved vehicles traveling at extremely high speeds.
Suspect Accused of Racing at 117 mph
Terry Lamar Easter, 50, of Apple Valley, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of the two girls.
Prosecutors allege that Easter was driving a Chevrolet Camaro at speeds reaching approximately 117 mph when the vehicle collided with the teenagers’ Acura TL in Victorville.
Authorities also accused Easter of taking part in a motor vehicle speed contest. Another driver, George Gary Sanchez, was also arrested following the incident after investigators alleged the two vehicles had been racing through a residential area.
Teen Best Friends Killed in Victorville Crash
Dailey and Hill were described by family members and loved ones as extremely close friends. The girls were not involved in the alleged street race when their vehicle was struck.
The crash brought devastating consequences for both families and shocked the local community. Fundraising campaigns were later created to help support funeral expenses and other costs.
Loved ones remembered the teenagers for their close friendship, ambitions and promising futures.
Driver Also Faces Child-Related Charge
Officials said Easter had his 8-year-old child inside his vehicle at the time of the crash. The child was reportedly injured.
According to authorities, Easter allegedly left the scene after the collision, triggering a search that lasted for nearly two weeks before he surrendered to law enforcement.
In addition to the murder charges, he is also accused of willful cruelty to a child and participating in an illegal vehicle speed contest.
The case highlights the potentially deadly consequences of alleged street racing and extreme speeding on public roads. The investigation and legal proceedings are expected to continue.
