On Saturday, September 11, 2021, at approximately 8:17 p.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) responded to a fatal traffic collision on Pacific Coast Highway, south of Warner Avenue, involving a motorcycle and a SUV.
Upon arrival, officers located the motorcycle passenger, 22-year-old Meghan Wautlet, deceased at the scene.
The motorcycle driver, 22-year-old John Murray III, was found in the roadway with significant injuries and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The HBPD Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances which concluded that Murray was at fault for the collision and had been performing dangerous stunts, riding recklessly, and excessively speeding just prior to the impact.
Further investigation revealed that, in the seven months leading up to the crash, Murray had been arrested or cited at least five times for various traffic violations, including speeding and reckless driving.
He was also involved in three at-fault motorcycle accidents during the same time period. Despite numerous warnings and advisements from law enforcement, family members, and friends about the dangers of his reckless behavior, Murray continued to endanger both his life and the lives of others by recklessly operating his motorcycle on public roadways.
As a result, following the collision, members of the HBPD Traffic Bureau arrested Murray for PC 187(a) murder in February of 2022. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed the case. Murray has remained in custody since the date of his arrest.
On December 19, 2024, after a three-week trial, an Orange County jury returned a guilty verdict against Murray for murder. The judge immediately sentenced the defendant to a term of 15 years to life in state prison.
The HBPD remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent tragedies and hold those who violate the law accountable for their actions.
