RSO deputy charged with vehicular manslaughter for deadly on-duty crash near Beaumont

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - A Riverside County Sheriff's deputy has been officially charged with vehicular manslaughter after a deadly on-duty crash last year near the Beaumont area.

Deputy Glynn Wilburn, 42, was charged Wednesday, the Riverside County District Attorney's office announced.

In addition to Gross Vehicular Manslaughter, Wilburn, of the Cabazon station, has been charged with Felony Reckless Driving Causing Serious Injury and Great Bodily Injury Enhancement.

An arraignment date has not been scheduled at this time. There was no record of Wilburn in county jail records.

The crash happened on the afternoon of Sept. 7, 2025, on Cherry Valley Boulevard and Roberts Street.

According to the investigation, Wilburn was responding with lights and sirens from Beaumont to 
reports of shots fired in Calimesa. While traveling on Cherry Valley Boulevard at speeds of approximately 100 mph, Wilburn entered an intersection and collided with a vehicle at approximately 71 mph.

The driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old Gavin Hinkley, was killed, and his fiancée, Madeline Fox, who was a passenger, suffered severe injuries. The couple was weeks away from their wedding.

According to the DA's news release, moments before the collision, dispatch had confirmed there were no reported injuries, the suspect vehicle had left the scene, and deputies had already arrived at the location of the reported shooting.

The families of Hinkley and Fox filed a lawsuit last month against Wilburn, RSO, and Riverside County. Attorneys allege that paramedics treated Wilburn first, delaying care to the more critically injured victims.

STATEMENT FROM MELISSA AND JASON FOX:

We are grateful that the Riverside County District Attorney has taken this important step and filed criminal charges on behalf of Gavin and Madeline. While we know this is far from over, today's action gives us hope that the justice system is moving in the right direction and that accountability will ultimately prevail.

What happened to Gavin and Madeline was preventable. Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Glynn Wilburn was entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, and he understood the obligations that come with operating an emergency vehicle. While law enforcement officers are granted certain statutory privileges, those privileges exist only when exercised with due regard for the safety of others. No badge, title, or position should place anyone above accountability, especially when reckless actions result in such devastating consequences.

At its core, this case is about justice. Gavin and Madeline deserved the opportunity to build the life they had planned together, and that opportunity was taken from them. As this case moves forward, we pray that the justice system does not fail them or our families. We hope this sends a clear message that those entrusted to protect the public must also be held accountable when their actions cause unimaginable harm.

STATEMENT FROM LAUREN AND CORY HINKLEY:

Today’s filing of criminal charges against Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Glynn Wilburn is an important step toward accountability for the preventable and reckless actions that took the life of our son, Gavin Hinkley, and forever changed the life of his fiancée, Madeline Fox.

After more than nine months of waiting, we are grateful to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the MAIT investigators for their commitment to uncovering the truth and moving this case forward.

Gavin was more than a victim. He was our son, and he was a beloved brother, fiancé, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was kind, hardworking, and deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He had his entire life ahead of him—a future filled with dreams, plans, and a wedding to the woman he loved. That future was taken from him in an instant. Gavin should still be here.

While no criminal charge can bring Gavin back or undo the devastating impact this tragedy has had on Madeline and our families, today is a meaningful step toward justice. Gavin’s life mattered. Madeline’s life matters. We will continue to honor Gavin’s memory, stand beside Madeline, and fight for the justice they both deserve.