A 27-year-old man Trent William Millsap is charged with the murder of Bobby East.
Millsap allegedly stabbed East, 37, in the chest while he was fueling his vehicle on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead.
Millsap was also accused of stabbing another man at the 76 gas station before the Bobby East attack.
‘The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area,’ Westminister Police said in a statement. ‘Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center, where the victim succumbed to his injury.
Police have arrested Trent William Millsap and charged him with the crime.
Bobby East was an American professional stock car racing driver. He raced in USAC, ARCA, and NASCAR.
He was born on December 17, 1984, to Janice East and USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East.
The native of Torrance, California, East was a three-time US Auto Club (USAC) champion. He won the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
Hitting the scene in 2001, East found his first victory at the USAC National Midgets 2001, becoming the youngest winner ever at the time at 16, and he was awarded the USAC’s Rookie of the Year.
He totaled 22 USAC National Midget wins during his career, and raced in 42 NASCAR national competitions between 2005 and 2008.
Tributes poured on social media following the news of East’s passing.
Communications Manager at ARCA, Charles Krall said: “I have the best memories of working with Bobby East.
“In an open wheel car, there was no one better. So sorry to hear the news today.
“My love and thoughts are with his parents Bob and Janice, and the entire East family. Race in peace Bobby.”
“Please keep the East family in your thoughts,” Speed Sport wrote on Twitter.