Tragedy Strikes Westlake High School: Student Killed and Others Injured in Intentional Car Crash
A high school student was killed and several others were injured in a tragic incident in Thousand Oaks, California, on April 18, 2023.[0] The suspect, 24-year-old Austin Eis, is accused of intentionally plowing his car into a group of Westlake High School students, killing 15-year-old Wesley Welling and injuring at least three others.[1]
The incident occurred shortly after Eis allegedly stabbed a Walmart employee in nearby Simi Valley, prompting a police search for his white Toyota Camry with a missing front bumper.[1] Witnesses were able to provide police with the license plate number of the vehicle, which led them to Eis.[2]
According to authorities, Eis faces multiple felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting a police officer, and brandishing. He was taken into custody at the scene and is being held on $5 million bail.[3] Eis is a former student of Westlake High School.[4]
The tragedy has left the entire Warrior community in shock, with Conejo Valley Unified School District Supt.[5] Mark McLaughlin expressing his condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “During this time of unimaginable loss, our thoughts and prayers remain with these students, their families, friends, and the entire Warrior community,” he said in a statement.[6]
Wesley Welling's mother, Kelly, has also spoken out about her son's death, saying that “everybody loved him” and that she is finding out how many more people loved him than she even knew about.
While the motive for the attack in Simi Valley is yet to be determined, authorities believe that the crash in Thousand Oaks was intentional.[7] The investigation remains ongoing, and details regarding the case cannot be released due to investigative integrity and the multi-jurisdictional nature of the crime.[7]
The tragic incident has highlighted the need for increased safety measures in schools and communities. As students and families mourn the loss of Wesley Welling and pray for the recovery of the injured, authorities are working to bring justice to those affected by this senseless act of violence.
0. “California high school student dead, others hurt after stabbing suspect crashes car” NBC News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-high-school-student-dead-others-hurt-stabbing-suspect-crash-rcna80362
1. “California homeless man who plowed into teens, killing 1, wanted for other crimes, including stabbing: police” Fox News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-homeless-man-who-plowed-into-teens-killing-1-wanted-for-other-crimes-including-stabbing-police
2. “Collision takes life of WHS student” The Acorn, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.theacorn.com/articles/collision-takes-life-of-whs-student
3. “Man allegedly stabbed Walmart employee before fatally crashing car into teen” KMAland, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.kmaland.com/news/national_news/man-allegedly-stabbed-walmart-employee-before-fatally-crashing-car-into-teen/article_9ffb5c7b-ab54-5113-a975-7fcb74a98565.html
4. “‘Everybody loved him': Teen struck by vehicle near Westlake High was waiting for bus with sister” FOX 11 Los Angeles, 20 Apr. 2023, https://www.foxla.com/news/westlake-high-thousand-oaks-crash-teen-killed-wesley-welling
5. “Suspect arrested after car hits Westlake High students, killing 1” Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-04-18/car-plows-into-group-of-juveniles-near-westlake-high-school-1-juvenile-in-critical-condition
6. “One dead and four injured after stabbing suspect crashes into students” Express, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.express.co.uk/news/us/1759982/one-dead-four-injured-stabbing-suspect-runs-over-students-dxus
7. “Stabbing suspect crashes into students in Thousand Oaks, killing one teenager” CBS News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thousand-oaks-suspect-crashes-into-students-walmart-stabbing-suspect/
