Charges Filed in Fatal Cupertino Crash Involving Apple Employee

A tragic incident occurred near Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, where a car crash took the life of a 2-year-old girl. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Eric Chen Su, has been charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon following the collision.

Incident Overview

On November 7, 2026, a memorial for the young victim, Riley Howard, was established at the crash site, where she suffered fatal injuries. The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about road safety.

Details of the Charges

Eric Chen Su appeared in a Palo Alto court and is facing serious legal repercussions. According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Su was traveling nearly 100 mph when he collided with another vehicle that was stopped at a red light on Tantau Avenue. This speed was reported to be four times the posted limit for the area.

“Unquestionably, murder was the appropriate charge,” stated Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker. “The speedometer in his vehicle appeared to have been frozen at 100 at the time of the collision,” he added.

The Crash Details

Following the crash, police found Riley and her babysitter trapped inside their vehicle, which had caught fire after being struck by Su’s Toyota Camry. Witnesses reported that several bystanders rushed to the burning car to help rescue both individuals.

Emergency responders transported Riley and her babysitter to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, Riley succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.

Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

During Su’s court appearance, he was seen in a wheelchair but reportedly sustained no serious injuries from the crash. No plea was entered, and a subsequent hearing has been scheduled for November 30, 2026. The District Attorney’s Office has committed to pursuing justice for Riley’s untimely death.

Community Response

The tragic loss of Riley Howard has elicited deep sorrow and concern, prompting conversations about road safety measures in the area. The community’s swift response at the scene demonstrates the collective compassion that exists among residents.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of accountability in this case as they work through the judicial process.