Teen hit by brother’s car dies

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- A tragic teenage caper that involved two brothers

attempting to steal several compact discs from a music store has claimed

the life of one of them.

Paul Millan, 17, of Costa Mesa died from head injuries suffered when his

younger brother accidentally ran him over as they tried to get away.

Millan, who attended Estancia High School, was hospitalized for two weeks

before succumbing to his injuries on Sept. 18.

Family members couldn’t be reached for comment.

The prank that went terribly wrong occurred on Sept. 4 when the two

brothers and two other friends walked into the Wherehouse music store on

the 400 block of East 17th Street in Costa Mesa. Police said the boys

grabbed a bunch of compact discs and ran away with store employees

chasing after them.

The younger brother, who is 15, got behind the wheel of his parents’ 1999

Ford pickup truck while Millan jumped into the back of the vehicle.

They made their way to a nearby parking lot where the younger brother

slowed down then suddenly accelerated. Millan tried to jump out of

truck’s bed to run away, but fell to the ground.

The right rear wheel of the truck ran over Millan’s head as the brother

sped away. Police estimate the truck was traveling between 10 and 25 mph

when Millan was hit.

The Orange County District Attorney’s office is contemplating what, if

any, charges should be filed against the younger brother. The severity of

possible charges could range from petty theft to involuntary

manslaughter.

Given the tragic nature of the case, several sources said it is unlikely

the district attorney’s office will seek a harsh penalty for the

grief-stricken teen.