Stolen car hit-and-run in Rodeo claims life of mother, six-year-old twin boy, injures other

During police chase; suspect arrested, expected to face murder charges

By Hercules Police Department

On March 23, 2023, at about 7:27 pm, the Hercules Police Department received information from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office regarding a stolen 2021 Mazda SUV, possibly heading toward the City of Hercules on eastbound I-80. A Hercules Police Officer saw the Mazda exit I-80 eastbound onto northbound Willow Avenue. As the Officer caught up to the Mazda, the driver immediately began to accelerate. The Officer initiated a short pursuit of the SUV, before it collided into a 2017 Nissan passenger vehicle in the area of Parker Avenue and 4th Street in the City of Rodeo. The driver of the Mazda immediately got out of the vehicle and ran northbound onto Parker Ave. A perimeter was established, and the suspect was found, at a nearby liquor store. He was placed under arrest, and later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

The driver of the Nissan passenger vehicle was a 31-year-old, mother of twin boys, age six. All were inside the vehicle and sadly, the mother passed away at the scene. The children were taken to Children’s Hospital in Oakland. One of the boys was in critical condition. He unfortunately passed away.

We will be filing the case with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office tomorrow, Tuesday, March 28, and we will be seeking additional murder charges.

This incident is still an active investigation, and any additional information will be released as the investigation continues. Anybody with any additional information is encouraged to contact Hercules Police Department at (510) 724-1111.

Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the community during this difficult time. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy, and that you keep them in your prayers.

According to KTVU News reporter Henry K. Lee, 20-year-old the suspect is Ralph White III and is being held on suspicion of vehicle manslaughter, auto theft and evading police. A tweet of a surveillance video shows the stolen Mazda crashing into the Nissan at 4th and Parker (Viewer discretion). In addition, according to a further tweet by Lee, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the family which identified the mother as Ryniqueka Dowell and the one son as, Jamari Humble and the surviving son as Jamani Humble.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.