Vigil held for woman killed on her motorcycle

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Updated: 4/16/2012 10:42 am
There was a massive outpouring of love for a young Bakersfield woman killed over the weekend while riding her motorcycle. People gathered at the corner of Jewetta Avenue and Reina Road Sunday night to remember 20-year-old Charla Wilkins.

Wilkins, an avid motorcyclist, died after she was rear-ended at the intersection Saturday night. Among those in attendance were members of local motorcycle groups, friends, and family.

"No matter what she was going through she always had that big smile on her face," said her twin brother Shawn Wilkins. "Before work every day she said, 'be safe, I love you.'"

"I always called her mother hen because she was like my mom, she really was," said brother Johnny Wilkins. "Growing up, she'd get onto us, she would tell us when we were doing wrong."

The driver who struck Wilkins is identified as Anna Marie Reynosa, also 20. Police say neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be factors in the crash and is still under investigation.

The family says police told them the driver who hit Charla was texting and never hit her brakes.
 
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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of KGET TV 17 - In the Spirit of the Golden Empire

bugs661 - 4/17/2012 7:18 AM
2 Votes
charla was my family and i think it is crap that you guys say the driver was 20 years old and was under the legal limit but 21 is the legal drinking age in ca. so i think the young lady should be facing man slaughter charges at the verry least

come on - 4/16/2012 5:48 PM
2 Votes
The story said police said the driver of the Tacoma had been drinking before the accident, but was under the legal limit. She is 20, the legal limit is zero! She is out drinking and driving, texting while driving and she killed an inocent person. Shame on her. My thoughts are with the mourning family.

workinghard - 4/16/2012 3:49 PM
1 Vote
She should be charged if she was indeed texting and driving. It amazes me the number of people who totally disregard the safety of themselves and others and use their cell phones while driving. Yesterday I saw a guy going down the freeway doing 65 mph and texting! Believe it or not, there was actually a time when we didn't have to be constantly connected to others. I managed to grow up just fine without having contsant contact with my friends. If (and when) something happens and cell phones all go down, a lot of people will be in a world of hurt because they cannot function without being tied to their phone. I have a cell phone but don't use it when I drive - it is VERY distracting. My heart goes out to this young woman's family and friends. Maybe they can use her death to a good purpose and try to get the message out about texting and driving.

matcul - 4/16/2012 3:10 PM
2 Votes
IF! she was indeed texting, she should be tried for manslaughter...people have been warned long enough about distracted driving. I am sure the driver is overcome with guilt and anguish as it is, but examples need to be made. because people still do it everyday, all day.
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