Bakersfield Police say 20-year-old Annamarie Reynosa was drinking before she slammed her car into the back of a motorcycle, killing 20-year-old Charla Wilkins.
Hundreds turned out for an impromptu memorial Sunday night to remember Wilkins.
Police say Reynosa was driving north on Jewetta Avenue when she slammed into Wilkins, who was riding her motorcycle. Witnesses say Reynosa never braked and police are investigating whether she was using her phone at the time of the accident.
The roar of motorcycles filled Jewetta Avenue Sunday night. It was the sound Wilkins lived for.
"She enjoyed riding her motorcycle so much. I remember she was always telling me, 'I'm going to teach you how to ride.' I always looked up to her," said Johnny Wilkins, her brother.
Police said Reynosa was drinking before the crash, but was below the legal limit. "Witnesses indicated that she was traveling either at or above speed limit and never slowed down prior to impact," noted Sgt. Mary DeGeare.
Police don't know why Reynosa didn't stop, before the impact. Wilkins' twin brother said he is devastated. "They told me she was gone. Words can't describe that feeling. It so dumb, she died so senselessly. My sister didn't deserve this," said Shawn Wilkins.
Pastor Richard Hill knew Wilkins for 12 years. Her said her love for riding was only second to her love for her family. "I was tying to talk her into getting rid of it. But she told me, she said, 'Pastor, I just feel like I'm addicted to it. I just love it,'" he explained.
Wilkins' family has set up an account in her name at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union to help pay for funeral costs. A funeral for Wilkins will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at 106 Wilson Avenue in Oildale.
A graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
