El Cajon, CA — April 2025
In a deeply disturbing incident that has rocked the El Cajon community, a 51-year-old woman was found dead in the trunk of a vehicle following a high-speed police chase involving her own son.
Authorities say 27-year-old Richard Leyva led police on a chaotic pursuit through El Cajon and Spring Valley after officers responded to reports of a possible kidnapping. Leyva reportedly refused to stop, eventually crashing into multiple vehicles near Interstate 8 and North Mollison Avenue.
What officers discovered afterward was truly horrifying — the lifeless body of his mother hidden in the trunk.
According to investigators, Leyva had recently been released from a mental health facility and checked into a local Motel 6. Surveillance footage shows him allegedly dragging his mother’s body and placing it in the trunk before fleeing.
Police used a Taser to subdue Leyva, who is now facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and evading law enforcement.
The shocking nature of the crime has raised serious concerns about gaps in the mental health system and public safety. Residents are demanding answers and action.
“This is something you expect to see in a movie — not on the streets of El Cajon,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
Investigations are ongoing.