Apple Employee Charged with Murder After Allegedly Driving Nearly 100 MPH and Killing 2-Year-Old Girl Near Company Headquarters

A devastating crash outside Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl after a driver allegedly slammed into the vehicle she was riding in at nearly 100 mph. The driver, identified as an Apple employee, is now facing a murder charge in connection with the child’s death.

Eric Chen Su, 38, of Santa Clara, California, was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon on Tuesday, November 10, following the fatal collision, according to authorities.

The crash occurred shortly after noon on Friday, November 6, at the intersection of North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, just outside Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino.

The victim was identified as Riley Kathryn Howard, a 2-year-old girl from San Jose. At the time of the collision, Riley was riding in a Chevrolet sedan with her babysitter, who was behind the wheel.

According to investigators, Su was driving a Toyota Camry northbound on Tantau Avenue at an extremely high speed when he approached the intersection.

Prosecutors allege that he was traveling at more than 90 mph when he slammed into the back of the Chevrolet, which was stopped at a red light.

The impact was so severe that the vehicles were left badly damaged, and the Chevrolet caught fire.

Witnesses reportedly rushed toward the burning vehicle in an effort to rescue the occupants. Several bystanders helped pull Riley and her babysitter away from the wreckage before emergency personnel arrived.

Both victims suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, Riley later died from her injuries.

Her babysitter survived but sustained serious head and spinal injuries and remained hospitalized, according to court documents cited by PEOPLE.

Investigators later determined that Su had allegedly been traveling at more than 90 mph in an area where the posted speed limit was approximately 30 mph.

Even more concerning, authorities said there was no evidence that he attempted to apply the brakes before the collision. The Toyota’s speedometer reportedly remained frozen at 100 mph after the crash.

According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Su initially suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. After being released, he was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter.

However, prosecutors later upgraded the charges, filing murder and assault with a deadly weapon counts against him.

Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker defended the decision to pursue a murder charge, pointing to the alleged extreme speed and the circumstances surrounding the collision.

“Unquestionably, murder was the appropriate charge,” Baker told ABC7 News.

Authorities also confirmed that Su worked at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino.

In a statement to PEOPLE, an Apple spokesperson expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

“Our hearts are broken by the tragic accident that happened outside of Apple Park Visitor Center,” the spokesperson said. The company also expressed gratitude to the first responders who assisted at the scene.

Meanwhile, a memorial was established near the crash site in honor of Riley. Flowers and other tributes were placed there as family members and community members mourned the little girl’s death.

A fundraising campaign was also organized to support Riley’s mother, Alaina Brenner Howard, as she faces the devastating loss of her youngest child.

Su appeared before a judge in Palo Alto on November 10. He is scheduled to return to court for a plea hearing on November 30. As of the latest reports, it was unclear whether he had retained an attorney who could comment on the allegations.

The investigation and criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

For Riley’s family, the tragedy has left behind an unimaginable loss. A routine trip that should have been an ordinary day ended in heartbreak, as a 2-year-old girl lost her life in a violent collision just outside one of the world’s most recognizable technology company headquarters.

SOURCES: PEOPLE Magazine – November 11, 2026