[KHTS] A 74-year-old man who has been charged with the death of 14-year-old Saugus resident Wyatt Savaikie pleaded not guilty Thursday.
Ralph August Steger, of Canyon Country, plead not guilty to one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter and one infraction each of unsafe speed and failure to stop at a red light at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Santa Clarita Branch, said Ricardo Santiago, spokesman for the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.
Steger allegedly struck and killed Savaikie on July 16 as Savaikie was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk near Bouquet Canyon Road and Seco Canyon Road. Savaikie was pronounced dead at the scene.
If convicted as charged, Steger faces one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
Steger will appear in court for a pretrial conference on Jan. 26, 2016.
“He was beautiful,” Wyatt’s mother, Teresa Savaikie, said in an interview with SCV News in July. “We are so honored to have had the privilege of having him in our lives, as our Gentle Giant, our precious son.”
Wyatt was a kid who loved skateboarding, playing soccer and X-box, who hated spaghetti and loved pizza, said Teresa Savaikie.
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21 Comments
Every person accused of a crime is entitled to due process. This is such an incredibly sad situation.
Shame on him for being so reckless
How quickly we forget to let justice be done. Until this man is convicted, please give him due process. So sad and tragic for so many people. Don’t let the anger of the tragedy cause conviction in your heart. God bless all of the loved ones who have been impacted by the tragedy.
I think about this tragedy often. So, so sorry for Wyatts family and loved ones. Not easy for anyone involved , I’m sure. I pray you find peace.
What explanation can this man provide that justifies reckless driving and running a red light?
Hated spaghetti? That’s crazy talk!
Omg!!!! How sad. I drive by the sight every day & it brings tears to my eyes! He did wrong just admitt it!!!! R.I.p Wyatt ♥ & prayers to his family ♥
So sad for both parties
Hes pleading not guilty? Running a red light at an unsafe speed and reckless driving is Wyatt’s fault? I’m sorry old man but if u don’t go to jail like a big boy and admit you’re wrong then u got other issues that should constitute in your license revoked and issued a straight jacket at your local mental hospital. We don’t need u on the road
Not guilty for killing a young boy. He’s a coward POS. I bet if it was someone he loved, he would want to see that person rot in prison.
I’m sure this man is remorseful. His lawyers advised him to plead not guilty, as do all lawyers of all defendants. It’s sad that it happened, but I’m sure this man never intended to hit him. This man is 74, maybe there’s more too it.
Kim,
If you want to use his age of 74 as possibly having “more too it,” then th fact is he shouldn’t be driving period. Age is no excuse. This man also has a prior ticket for failing to stop at a red light according to court papers. It is inexcusable.
His license needs to be revoked permanently to say the least!!?I think about this family every day when I’m passing that intersection. I pass it 6 times a day.??
Your perfect congrats
I said it before and I say it again, this is a tragedy for both families. If Jesus was here what would he do?
This little boys family will never get their boy back, and this older man will carry this with him for the rest of his life; never forgiving himself, what worse punishment and guilt he has to carry.
I know you might say, he is pleaing not guilty; for his case it’s best for him.
May God touch every heart involved.
Sad for both parties indeed..
I just want this to be over for my neighbors. Sweet, kind Wyatt is watching over his dear family. I’m sorry that this person doesn’t have the backbone to own up to his crime, to prevent any further pain to that poor family. Dear Lord, please bless the Savaikie family during this stressful time.
Missing u
not to mention he should be pressed with hit-and-run charges because he fled from the scene. even though he eventually came back, it’s still a crime. he should be convicted and charged for the crime he has committed.
WE , the Family, received the life sentence. Steiger did 16 days. He also was part of killing his daughter in the 70’s. There’s no room for revenge or hate. Every thought is filled with missing Wyatt. He was a great kid. Caring, funny, loving. The world could use more people like Wyatt.