Legal talks begin in Palm Springs holiday parade crash, attorney gives update on victims

The lawyer representing victims of a police motorcycle crash during the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade discussed the injuries sustained by their clients and confirmed they've been in communication with the Palm Springs City Attorney's Office.

Stefano Formica, the attorney for the victims, confirmed in an interview on Wednesday that his firm is still currently in the investigation phase of the legal process, with 8 clients, including one minor, now listed as victims of the crash. One pedestrian victim is still in the hospital, and among the victims are several young children, according to Formica.

"We had a nice conversation, a good start," Formica said in explaining his communication with the Palm Springs City Attorney's Office. "But he's aware that we're going to be filing claims on behalf of all of our clients."

News Channel 3 has continually reached out to Palm Springs city officials and City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger for any update or comment on this story. As of Wednesday, Dec. 18, we have received no response.

The crash occurred on Dec. 7 when Officer Kenneth Merenda of the Palm Springs Police Department lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a crowd of festivalgoers. Merenda, suffered a severe hand injury, while 10 civilians were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Among the injured was a young girl whose step-father, Jaime Ruiz, spoke to News Channel 3 last week, urging support for the victims. Another victim, a 4-year-old boy, who Formica says suffered a severe head injury.

"The young boy who's four years old, I can't mention his name," Formica explained. "But, he has a severe brain injury."

Updated List of Injuries

The victims of the crash sustained a wide range of injuries, with many requiring extensive medical care. The law firm representing the victims has released the following updated list of injuries:

• 4-year-old male child: Suffering from brain and spinal injuries, facial deformities, contusions, and wounds to both legs and arms. The young child is also experiencing significant psychological trauma.
• 12-year-old female child: Sustaining brain injuries, torn ligaments and tendons in her lower leg, contusions, and wounds to both legs. Psychological trauma is also a significant concern for this young victim.
• 13-year-old female child: Experiencing brain injuries, contusions to the upper right side of her body, torn ligaments and tendons in her lower leg, and psychological trauma.
• 17-year-old female : Injuries to her ribs and abdomen, along with contusions and wounds to both legs. Psychological trauma is also reported.
• 17-year-old female : Suffering from internal injuries, contusions, and wounds to both legs, along with psychological trauma.
• Jessica (Mother of the 4-year-old): The child's mother, Jessica, sustained brain injuries, contusions, and wounds to both legs, as well as psychological trauma.

Police Chief Andy Mills acknowledged in several interviews, that the crash resulted from Officer Merenda losing control of his motorcycle. Mills confirmed that wheelies and "clutch-pops", were taking place in the lead up to the crash. In response, Chief Mills announced the immediate grounding of the Palm Springs Motorcycle fleet and emphasized that no wheelies or pop clutch maneuvers would be allowed on police motorcycles in the future.

As of Wednesday, Mills says the fleet remains grounded as a thorough internal review in the department on procedures is completed.

News Channel 3 asked for an update on Officer Merenda's condition but received no comment. In a previous interview on Dec. 10, Mills said Merenda did not lose his hand in the accident, but that he would need surgeries in the future.

Meanwhile, California Highway Patrol is leading an investigation into the crash. As of Wednesday, CHP said the investigation continues but could not provide any new details. News Channel 3 asked about obtaining the crash report of the incident which happened on Dec. 7 but received no response.

News Channel Three will continue to keep you updated on this story both on-air and online. You can view our previous coverage by visiting this link.