Mom charged with manslaughter after teen’s illegal e-motorcycle crash turns fatal

Mom charged with manslaughter after teen’s illegal e-motorcycle crash turns fatal

Story Credit - Lilly Dallow, Channel 5 News KTLA

An Orange County mother previously charged with felony child endangerment and being an accessory after her teenage son struck an elderly pedestrian while riding an illegal e-motorcycle is now facing a more serious charge after the victim died.

Prosecutors announced that 50-year-old Tommi Jo Mejer of Aliso Viejo has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter following the death of 81-year-old Ed Ashman, a Vietnam veteran and substitute teacher.

Ashman died about a week after he was hit while walking home from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities allege Mejer’s 14-year-old son was doing wheelies on a high-powered e-motorcycle when he struck Ashman near Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive on April 16 before fleeing the scene.

In an amended complaint filed May 1, Mejer is now charged with involuntary manslaughter, along with felony child endangerment and accessory after the fact, plus several misdemeanor counts.

If convicted on all charges, she faces up to seven years and eight months in state prison, prosecutors said.

Mejer is scheduled to be arraigned May 21 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

Ed Ashman, an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran and substitute teacher, is seen with his dog in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)

Investigators say deputies had previously warned Mejer about allowing her son to ride the e-motorcycle illegally. During a 2025 interaction captured on body camera, she allegedly admitted she purchased the vehicle and knew her son rode it recklessly.

The e-motorcycle involved, identified as a Surron Ultra Bee, can reach speeds of up to 58 mph and is classified as a motorcycle under California law, requiring a license, registration and insurance to operate on public roads.

Prosecutors allege that after the crash, Mejer gave false information to deputies, claiming neither she nor her son had access to such a vehicle.

Ashman was remembered by community members as a dedicated educator and veteran who continued serving others in retirement. A GoFundMe launched in his name describes him as a “fighter” and says donations will support his family and cover medical and related expenses.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the upgraded charge reflects the severity of the case and issued a warning to parents.

“This mother essentially handed her 14-year-old son a deadly weapon,” Spitzer said in a statement.

Prosecutors say this is one of several recent cases in which parents have been charged for allowing minors to operate illegal e-motorcycles.

The name of the juvenile involved has not been released.

https://ktla.com/news/orange-county/o-c-mom-charged-after-teen-on-e-motorcycle-critically-injures-veteran/