Parents charged after 13-year-old dies in high-speed e-motorcycle crash
Vu Thanh Nguyen and his wife Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen have been charged following the death of their 13-year-old son Benson in a crash that occurred at over 40 mph in Garden Grove.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer filed charges against Vu Thanh Nguyen, 56, and his spouse Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, 49, after their 13-year-old son Benson died in a May crash in Garden Grove. Benson was riding an E-Ride Pro electric motorcycle at speeds exceeding 40 mph when he collided with a pole and lost control. Vu Thanh Nguyen is charged with one felony count of child endangerment and a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor; his wife faces a misdemeanor child endangerment charge.
Prosecutors noted that the parents had previously purchased a faster, more powerful e-motorcycle for Benson despite his history of injuries and multiple warnings about reckless riding. If convicted, Vu Thanh Nguyen could receive up to six years in state prison, while Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen faces a maximum of one year in county jail. The pair will appear for arraignment on Nov. 12.
Why it matters
The case underscores growing concerns over teen use of high-speed e-motorcycles and parental responsibility.
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