Man pleads guilty to killing teen biker

Samuel Matthew Rocha, 33, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Pedro Valdez. The fatal incident occurred on April 19, 2021, when Rocha targeted seven teenagers cycling in Port Hueneme, California. He intentionally drove his vehicle into the group, striking Valdez and four other youths.

Valdez tragically died from his injuries, and two other cyclists sustained severe injuries. Authorities reported that approximately 11 minutes prior to the bike attack, Rocha had also crashed his car into a laundromat employee and physically assaulted two other individuals at the same location.

Rocha was apprehended after a witness followed him to a nearby apartment complex. During his trial, his defense argued he was psychotic and intoxicated, while prosecutors asserted he was aware of his actions. Rocha faces a potential sentence of 27 years to life and is being held without bail pending his sentencing on October 27.