A hospital worker in Riverside, California, who was attempting to start a family with his wife through in-vitro fertilization, was killed by a driver fleeing a traffic stop, authorities said.
Peter Mullis, 42, an X-ray technician at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, was walking in a marked crosswalk on Monday when Gene Cunningham, 62, struck him. Police initiated a traffic stop nearby, and Cunningham initially stopped his vehicle but then fled at high speed as officers pursued him on foot. During the flight, Cunningham hit Mullis, who was crossing the street.
Officers ceased their pursuit of Cunningham and immediately provided aid to Mullis. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Cunningham evaded capture initially but was apprehended the following day. He was booked on charges of murder and felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Police noted that Cunningham had two outstanding felony warrants and an extensive criminal history. He is currently being held without bail.
Mullis and his wife, Layla Mullis, were preparing for an embryo transfer, scheduled for August 17, as part of their IVF journey. Layla Mullis shared that the second egg retrieval was successful, resulting in both a male and a female embryo.
She expressed her determination to proceed with the IVF process, stating her desire to carry on the legacy of her husband, whom she described as her soulmate. The couple, who would have celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary in November, had faced fertility struggles. The loss of her husband also means the potential loss of his healthcare coverage in the fall, adding to her financial concerns.
Friends and colleagues have established a memorial outside the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center where Mullis worked. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support Layla Mullis, raising over $62,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The fundraiser highlighted Mullis's deep hope to become a parent.
Layla Mullis remembered her husband as someone who enjoyed his work in healthcare and brought joy to others. Their shared interests included visiting Disneyland and Renaissance fairs.
