A hit-and-run crash had claimed the lives of three teenage girls and left their friend badly injured last Saturday.
Two of the victims have reportedly been using wheelchairs. They were struck from behind by a 2002 Chevy Silverado on the desert area of Camp Rock Road in Lucerne Valley.
The vehicle’s driver and a female occupant got away from it and fled on foot.
The late middle school victims were identified by The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office as Willow Sanchez, 11, Daytona Bronas, 12, and Sandra Mizer, 13.
“They just got out for summer break, so this is their first opportunity to have sleep-overs, hang out, play, just be children again after a year in lock-down,” School Trustee Jessica Risler said.
Disabled people often have difficulties moving in areas that have no sidewalks, according to Highway Patrol Office Dan Olivas.
“It’s pretty desolate out there, and there are hardly any shoulders at all.”