Homeless California man accused of driving into high school students, killing 1
04/20/2023 11:33 am PDT
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (TCD) -- A 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed a Walmart employee before driving his car into a group of high school students, killing a 15-year-old and injuring three others.
On Tuesday, April 18, Simi Valley Police responded to a report of a stabbing at the Walmart at 255 W. Cochran St. in Simi Valley, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect allegedly stabbed a store employee and fled the scene before officers arrived. Witnesses reported that the suspect was driving a Toyota Camry that was missing its front bumper.
The victim suffered at least one stab wound and was transported to a hospital for treatment, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Shortly after the stabbing, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office alerted the Simi Valley Police Department about a collision involving the suspect’s vehicle near Lake View Canyon and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, KTTV-TV reports. Deputies arrived on the scene, where they found the suspect’s white sedan flipped over off the side of Thousand Oaks Boulevard near Westlake High School.
Officials later learned the suspect, identified as Austin Eis, allegedly ran his vehicle into a group of four high school students, killing 15-year-old Wesley Welling. The other juvenile victims, a 15-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old, were transported to a local hospital. Two victims have since been released, while the third is still in the hospital in critical condition.
Investigators did not release a motive but believe Eis, a former Westlake High School student, was reportedly homeless and living out of his vehicle.
On April 19, the Sheriff’s Office released the suspect’s mug shot and announced that he had been booked into the Ventura County Jail on multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, attempted robbery, burglary, brandishing a firearm, resisting arrest, kidnapping, felony use of tear gas, and assault with a deadly weapon. Eis’ bail has been set at $5 million, and he is scheduled to appear for his arraignment Thursday, April 20.
KTTV reports Eis was also allegedly involved in a domestic incident in Camarillo.
In a statement regarding Welling’s death, the Conejo Valley Unified School District said, "Today, as a community, we continue to mourn the loss of a life senselessly taken too soon from this world. We also continue to send our thoughts and well wishes to the students affected and their loved ones."
The statement continued, "In times of incomprehensible tragedy, such as now, it is important that we continue to support and be there for one another. Our togetherness and unity is our strength."
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