A 24-year-old California man named Richard Leyva has been charged with homicide after authorities found the dead body of his mother, Jamison Webster, in the trunk of the vehicle he used to flee from the police. The vehicle belonged to Webster, and the circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation.
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According to the El Cajon Police Department, the incident took place on Tuesday, February 25. That day, Richard's brother, Xavier Leyva, grew concerned after his mother, Jamison, never made it back home after visiting Richard. Richard traveled to a motel called Motel 6, located at 550 Montrose Court. After arriving at the motel, Xavier discovered that his mother was dead and stored in her own Hyundai Sonata's trunk.
An altercation later ensued between Xavier and Richard. According to police, the former confronted the latter over the tragic discovery. At that moment, Richard Leyva took off with his mother's Hyundai Sonata and hit Xavier on the way out. Xavier was uninjured, and Jamison's body was still in the vehicle's trunk at the time.
Xavier Levya called the authorities at that moment. A traffic stop was attempted by officers, but Richard instead chose to flee from them. A pursuit ensued but was ultimately ended when Richard crashed against two other vehicles. Eventually, police officers were able to arrest Richard Leyva, tasing him to subdue him.
Richard was booked into San Diego County Jail. He was charged with homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and evading law enforcement. The other two drivers he collided with are uninjured.
Police Investigation
Following Leyva's arrest, prosecutors revealed that, according to police investigations, Webster's cause of death carries "evidence of strangulation," as reported by CBS8. Moreover, video footage shows Webster entering Richard's motel room. Hours later, Richard Leyva can be seen dragging her "lifeless body" by her ankles, placing her in her Hyundai's trunk.
Richard Leyva pleaded not guilty to the charges. He could face more than 28 years in prison if he is found guilty of the homicide charge.
A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help cover funeral costs, as well as support Xavier Leyva in this extremely difficult time.
"She navigated life's toughest challenges with grace and unwavering commitment, especially in her relentless efforts to support her son through his struggles with mental illness," the GoFundMe reads. "Her journey was not without fear, but her courage never wavered, showing us all what it means to stand with love even in the face of immense adversity."
