A California mother made her first court appearance on Tuesday to face charges of involuntary manslaughter after her teenage son fatally struck a Vietnam veteran while riding an e-motorcycle. Tommi Jo Mejer, 51, did not enter a plea during the brief hearing, but her attorneys expressed her anguish over the tragic incident.
“She sends her deepest condolences and sorrow over this tragedy,” her attorneys said, according to ABC 7. “This has been devastating for everyone.” They argued that it is premature to make further statements.
Prosecutors allege that Mejer knew her 14-year-old son should not have been riding a 2025 Surron Ultra Bee, which can reach speeds of up to 50 mph, yet allowed him to continue. On April 16, around 4 p.m., the teen was reportedly performing wheelies when he struck 81-year-old Ed Ashman, who was walking home from his job as a substitute teacher.
When deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office questioned Mejer, she allegedly denied that she or her son owned an e-bike. Ashman was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died on April 30.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mejer was arrested on April 21 and initially faced felony counts of child endangerment and accessory after the fact. She was also charged with misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and infractions for loaning a motor vehicle to an unlicensed driver and providing false information to a peace officer.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated, “We have her on body-worn camera talking about and understanding the dangers and the illegality of this particular vehicle.” He explained that Mejer provided the motorcycle despite warnings about its danger and illegality for her son.
Prosecutors noted that Mejer had previously contacted the sheriff’s office last year to report someone posting her son riding the bike. She admitted purchasing the e-motorcycle and knowing her son drove it recklessly, prompting warnings from deputies that she could face charges if she continued to allow it.
Legal Requirements for E-Motorcycles
In California, e-motorcycle riders must be at least 16 years old and have a motorcycle license and insurance to ride on public streets. Without these, teens can only ride on private property or off-highway areas.
Spitzer previously said, “An American hero who survived flying combat missions in Vietnam could not survive walking across the street in Lake Forest because of a 14-year-old child who was allowed to ride an e-motorcycle that he should have never been riding.” He emphasized holding parents accountable for allowing illegal riding that results in harm.
Mejer is the third parent charged by Spitzer’s office this year for allowing children to ride e-motorcycles illegally. She posted a $100,000 bond and was released pending arraignment on June 30. If convicted on all counts, she faces up to seven years and eight months in state prison.
Tribute to the Victim
An online fundraiser for Ashman’s family has raised over $120,000. It describes him as a Vietnam veteran who flew combat missions and later dedicated his retirement to teaching at El Toro High School. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father of three, and proud grandfather.
