A minor crash on Interstate 805 in San Diego spiraled into tragedy when 48-year-old Barrick Lo, a husband and father of three, was struck and killed after a roadside confrontation on Feb. 12. Two of his children, ages 7 and 9, were in the car at the time, and family members say at least one child saw what unfolded. Authorities arrested a suspect days later, and that person has since been arraigned and entered a not guilty plea.
Lo, a longtime regulatory attorney at Illumina, is being remembered by friends and colleagues as a devoted family man and steady presence at work. “He always called me sister, and I always called him brother,” family friend Peggy Mok said, according to NBC 7 San Diego. The outlet reports the initial collision occurred near the State Route 52 interchange on I-805 and that Lo died at a hospital two days after the encounter on the shoulder.
KGTV reports that Lo had just picked up his daughters from fencing class and was driving south toward Kearny Mesa when another vehicle tried to pass on the right and left a small scratch on his car. Both drivers pulled over, and witnesses told reporters Lo walked up to the other vehicle to exchange information. At that point, the driver allegedly accelerated and struck him. KGTV identifies the suspect as 57-year-old Lawrence Wynn and reports that investigators later located a Nissan Pathfinder connected to the case.
Arrest and family response
According to a family update on the fundraiser, witness tips helped police track down the vehicle that investigators were looking for, and the suspect has now been arraigned on first-degree murder charges, as described on the campaign page. The GoFundMe organizer explains that donations will help cover funeral costs and day-to-day living expenses for Lo’s wife and three children. At the time of the last update, the page showed $64,781 raised toward a $70,000 goal. GoFundMe also carries the family’s account of the Feb. 12 collision and the subsequent arrest.
What prosecutors allege
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office says the suspect was arraigned last Thursday and pleaded not guilty. According to the prosecutors’ complaint, the defendant has at least one prior felony conviction that dates back more than 30 years. The filing also states that if convicted, the defendant could face up to 25 years in prison, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
Colleagues and community remember Lo
At Illumina, coworkers described Lo as a trusted colleague who approached his work and life with a strong sense of responsibility. Fellow attorney Daniel Lam said Lo “wanted to do the right thing,” according to KGTV. Family members and friends say their focus now is on supporting Lo’s wife and children as they navigate both their loss and the unfolding criminal case.
