El Cajon Man Accused of Killing Mother and Fleeing Police—Held Without Bail

February 28, 2025
by Ryan Mullinax

A shocking case in El Cajon, California, has left the community reeling after police arrested 24-year-old Richard Anthony Leyva for the alleged murder of his mother. Authorities say Leyva not only took his mother’s life but attempted to flee the scene with her body in his vehicle, leading to a police pursuit and multiple collisions before he was taken into custody. Due to the severity of the crime, he is being held without bail as he awaits trial.

Murder Charges and Bail: Why Some Defendants Are Held Without Bail

California law allows judges to deny bail in extreme cases, particularly when the defendant poses a significant flight risk or is accused of an exceptionally violent crime. Murder cases, like Leyva’s, often result in no bail being granted, especially when there are aggravating factors, such as:

🔴 Fleeing the Scene – Attempting to evade law enforcement can make judges more likely to deny bail.
🔴 Public Safety Concerns – When an alleged crime is particularly violent, courts often rule that releasing the suspect would be a danger to the public.
🔴 Evidence Strength – If overwhelming evidence supports the charges, judges may feel there’s no reason to allow bail.

In California, first-degree murder bail is often set at $2,000,000, but when a judge determines that no conditions can ensure the defendant will appear in court or prevent further harm, bail may be denied entirely.

How Bail Decisions Affect a Criminal Case

When a suspect is held without bail, it significantly changes their ability to prepare for trial. Defendants who remain in custody:

🔹 Have limited access to legal resources compared to those released on bail.
🔹 Experience longer pretrial detention, which could last months or even years before the case reaches court.
🔹 Have a higher likelihood of accepting plea deals to expedite proceedings.

Why Bail Bonds Matter in Most Criminal Cases

At Allergic to Handcuffs, we regularly help individuals navigate the bail system for cases that qualify for release. Even though some serious cases like murder may result in bail denial, many felony charges allow for bail and pretrial release. We ensure that:

✅ Clients can secure their release quickly to prepare their defense.
✅ Families understand the bail process and have financial options for payment.
✅ Each case is handled with discretion and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

The case in El Cajon is a reminder of how the justice system treats serious violent crimes. While some defendants are held without bail, most cases allow for a bail hearing where conditions can be negotiated. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges and needs bail assistance, Allergic to Handcuffs is available 24/7 to help you navigate the process.

📞 Call 619-512-4111 for expert bail assistance today.