Jury Awards Over $60 Million to Parents of Teen Killed in Tragic Car Chase Incident

A jury has awarded more than $60 million to the grieving parents of a teenager who lost his life during a civilian car chase that occurred six years ago. This significant verdict was handed down on Tuesday by the L.A. County Superior Court in Inglewood, where the jury recognized the immense suffering and loss experienced by the Esphorst family. The ruling included $23.25 million in compensatory damages specifically for Julie Esphorst and $36.5 million directed to Jesse Esphorst Sr., highlighting the jury’s acknowledgment of the family’s pain and the impact of the tragic incident.

Details of the Fatal Incident Involving Jesse Esphorst Jr.

The heartbreaking event unfolded when Jesse Esphorst Jr., just 16 years old, along with his father, was returning from a baseball game on March 7, 2017. Their minivan was tragically struck at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest Road in Torrance by two vehicles involved in a reckless chase. This devastating collision resulted in severe injuries to Jesse’s father, while Jesse tragically succumbed to his injuries that same night, leaving the family shattered and forever changed.

Account of the Drivers Involved in the High-Speed Chase

The two drivers entangled in this reckless pursuit were identified as Tung Ming from Rancho Palos Verdes and Darryl Leander Hicks from Los Angeles. The chaotic sequence of events began when Hicks collided with Ming’s vehicle while attempting an illegal U-turn. Following this, Ming took it upon himself to pursue Hicks and contacted 911 to report the incident. During the call, the 911 operator repeatedly instructed Ming to obtain the license plate number of Hicks’ vehicle, which escalated the situation and led Ming to drive at dangerously high speeds, as revealed in his deposition.

Legal Findings and Fault Determination in the Case

According to Julie Esphorst’s civil complaint filed in 2018, it was stated that while still engaged with the 911 operator, defendant Tung Ming “recklessly and carelessly pursues [Hicks] through residential streets at a high rate of speed.” This reckless pursuit ultimately culminated in a tragic crash around 10 p.m. when Ming and Hicks approached a “blind curve in the roadway.” Hicks’ vehicle crashed into the Esphorst minivan, followed closely by Ming’s vehicle slamming into it as well.

Jury’s Verdict on Liability and Damages

The jury’s findings determined that Ming was 95% at fault for the accident, with Hicks bearing 5% of the responsibility. As a result, Hicks was ordered to pay $18,000 in damages, while Ming was held liable for $2 million in punitive damages to the Esphorst family, according to court documents. This ruling underscores the jury’s clear stance on the recklessness displayed by the drivers during the incident.

Challenges Faced by the Defense in Court Proceedings

Allison Grandy, the attorney representing Ming, disclosed that the judge imposed a ruling that prevented her from presenting a defense on Ming’s behalf due to his “inability to appear at trial.” The reasons for Ming’s absence remain unclear, raising questions about the fairness of the trial process. Grandy expressed her belief that if all evidence had been presented, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run, the outcome would have been significantly different.

Ongoing Legal Considerations and Appeals

Grandy emphasized that her office is currently exploring “all available legal avenues” to address the implications of Ming’s inability to appear in court. This situation highlights the complexities and challenges often encountered in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving such severe consequences as the loss of a young life.

Legal Repercussions for the Drivers Involved in the Incident

In the aftermath of the crash, Darryl Hicks, who fled the scene, faced legal repercussions and was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in the incident. Conversely, Tung Ming, who remained at the scene following the crash, received a sentence of over two years in prison but is no longer in custody, as confirmed by his legal representative. This disparity in sentencing reflects the varying degrees of responsibility each driver bore in the tragic events that unfolded.

Previous Settlement with Los Angeles County for Gross Negligence

In 2022, the Esphorst family reached a settlement of $6.5 million with Los Angeles County, citing “gross negligence” on the part of the 911 operator, a factor that the family believes played a critical role in the circumstances leading to their son’s untimely death. Attorney John Taylor, who represented Jesse’s mother in this case, articulated the public’s reliance on 911 operators for prompt assistance and guidance, emphasizing the profound responsibility they hold to act with common sense during emergencies. “The operator essentially directed Ming to partake in a law enforcement role rather than instructing him to halt the chase,” Taylor explained, shedding light on the systemic issues within emergency response protocols.