Eric Chen Su faces a murder charge after driving his car at nearly 100 mph into a stopped vehicle in Cupertino, California, killing a two-year-old girl.
Prosecutors allege the Apple employee showed reckless disregard for public safety during a busy period near the company headquarters.
Crash Near Apple Park
The fatal collision occurred at 12:01 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026. It happened at the intersection of North Tantau Avenue and Pruneridge Avenue, outside the Apple Park Visitor Center.
The collision caused the Chevrolet Trax to catch fire. First responders found an adult woman and a young child with serious injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, including CPR performed by first responders, the toddler died at a hospital.
Su, a 38-year-old Apple employee, suffered minor injuries. He went to a hospital before deputies took him into custody.
Murder and Assault Charges Filed
Authorities initially arrested Su on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. On Tuesday, November 10, prosecutors charged Su with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in a Palo Alto courtroom.
Apple employee Eric Chen Su was charged with murder Tuesday in connection with a Cupertino crash that killed 2-year-old Riley Howard outside Apple headquarters. Officials say Su was traveling nearly 100 mph when he rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light. For more… pic.twitter.com/xCGLJcVD7G
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Su did not apply his brakes before the impact. Evidence showed the speedometer was stuck at 100 mph. Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker said prosecutors believe these charges are warranted due to the speed involved.
Unquestionably, murder was the appropriate charge.
Rob Baker, Santa Clara County deputy district attorney
The incident occurred during a peak lunch hour when the area near the Apple campus has high volumes of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The sheriff office said Su, as an employee, knew the intersection was busy. Documents stated he drove at a “reckless, excessive speed that a reasonable person would know is careless, reckless, and without due regard for the safety of others.”
Su Appears in Court Before Scheduled Plea
Su appeared before a judge in a wheelchair. He refused to walk into the building and initially refused to exit the patrol vehicle, according to sheriff records. His interview with authorities was canceled.
Su is scheduled to enter a plea on November 30. It is unclear if he has an attorney or if he is still employed by Apple, as the company did not confirm his status.
Our hearts are broken by the tragic accident that happened outside of Apple Park Visitor Center. Our thoughts are with all of those grieving, and we are grateful for the care and support of the first responders.
Apple spokesperson
Captain Neil Valenzuela of the West Valley Patrol Division said the event was a “heartbreaking tragedy for everyone affected.” A memorial service was held for Riley Howard at the crash site. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information to contact the department at 408-868-6637.
California law dictates that wrongful death claims must be brought within two years of an incident. Su will return to court on November 30.
A 38-year-old Apple employee was charged with murder in connection with a crash that killed a 2-year-old girl outside the tech giant's headquarters. Officials said Eric Chen Su was traveling nearly 100 mph when he rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light.… pic.twitter.com/u7iP0pH0nh
