A California sheriff's deputy has been charged after he allegedly sped through a red light and crashed into a young couple, killing the groom-to-be, while responding to a call that had already been resolved.
Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Glynn Wilburn, 42, was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, felony reckless driving causing serious injury and great bodily injury enhancement on Wednesday.
The crash occurred on September 6, 2025, in Calimesa, California, which is just east of Los Angeles.
Gavin Hinkley, 21, was killed, and his fiancée, 20-year-old Madeline Fox, was left severely injured and will have to relearn basic motor functions and how to speak.
According to their families, the couple was out running errands and preparing for their wedding, which was set for October 25, 2025.
Investigators determined Wilburn was responding to reports of shots fired with his lights and sirens on, traveling at speeds of approximately 100mph when he collided with the couple's Tesla.
'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 Riverside County District Attorney's Office said.
Photos from the California Highway Patrol report on the crash showed the Tesla's broadside and the front of the patrol vehicle completely mangled.
Gavin Hinkley, 21, was killed, and his fiancée, 20-year-old Madeline Fox, was left severely injured when a California sheriff's deputy speeding at 100 mph smashed into them
Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Glynn Wilburn, 42, was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, felony reckless driving causing serious injury and great bodily injury enhancement for the September 2025 crash
The Hinkley and Fox families released statements praising the prosecutor's office for pursuing charges against Wilburn.
'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,' said Hinkley's parents, Lauren and Cory Hinkley.
'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.'
His parents added, 'While no criminal charge can bring Gavin back or undo the devastating impact this tragedy has had on Madeline and both 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.'
Fox's parents, Melissa and Jason Fox, said they hope Wilburn will be held accountable.
'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,' her parents said.
'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.'
According to their families, the couple was out running errands and preparing for their wedding, which was set for October 25, 2025
Photos from the California Highway Patrol report on the crash showed the Tesla's broadside (pictured) and the front of the patrol vehicle completely mangled
Fox was left severely injured and will have to relearn basic motor functions and how to speak
The Fox's added, '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.'
An arraignment date for Wilburn has not been scheduled and jail records indicate he is not being held as of Tuesday.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the criminal charges filed against Wilburn.
'The California Highway Patrol conducted a very thorough investigation, and our DA’s Office determined the driving actions of our deputy rose to the level of negligence,' Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a statement.
'This incident claimed the life of a young man and forever changed the life of a young woman who was a passenger. My heart goes out to the families of both victims.
'While it may be our duty to respond to calls for service that require an expeditious response to help our residents, we acknowledge that response also requires due diligence to ensure the safety of the public during that response.'
