Tragic Incident Unfolds in Southern California: A Mother's Body Found During Police Chase

Feb 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM

In a shocking turn of events, southern California authorities uncovered a grim situation involving a family tragedy and a high-speed pursuit. The incident began with a routine check on a missing elderly woman and escalated into a deadly confrontation. Law enforcement officers responded to a motel call regarding suspicious circumstances, only to find the woman’s body in the trunk of her vehicle. The suspect, identified as Richard Leyva, fled the scene, leading to a police chase that ended in his arrest after crashing into two vehicles. This tragic event highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior.

Details of the Incident

In the early hours of a somber Thursday afternoon in El Cajon, California, an unsettling chain of events unfolded at a local Motel 6. Concerned about his mother's wellbeing, a son visited the hotel where she had been staying to check on her after an uncharacteristic absence. Upon arrival, he made a horrifying discovery—his mother's lifeless body hidden in the trunk of her Hyundai Sonata. The distraught son immediately confronted his brother, Richard Leyva, who was also staying at the motel. An altercation ensued, and Leyva, in a state of apparent distress, commandeered the vehicle with his mother's body still inside, fleeing the scene.

The pursuit began as law enforcement officers spotted the car and attempted to halt its progress. However, Leyva ignored their commands and continued driving recklessly, even striking his brother with the vehicle without causing serious injury. The chase came to an abrupt end when Leyva lost control and collided with two other cars. Officers were forced to use a stun gun to subdue him before taking him into custody. It was then that they confirmed the presence of the deceased woman, later identified as Jamison Webster, whose death is now under investigation as a potential homicide.

Leyva now faces multiple charges, including homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and evading law enforcement. The community remains in shock over this tragic series of events, which has left many questioning the underlying factors that led to such a devastating outcome.

From a journalistic perspective, this case underscores the importance of addressing mental health and familial tensions before they escalate into irreversible tragedies. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for support systems and interventions that can prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring. The investigation into the cause of death will undoubtedly shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.