Suspected Murderer of Former NASCAR Driver Bobby East Shot and Killed By Police

Police in Westminster, California are confirming that the suspect in the murder of former NASCAR driver Bobby East was shot and killed as officers executed a search warrant last night. East, who previously raced in NASCAR during the 2000’s, died after a stabbing attack Wednesday at a gas station in Westminster, CA – located in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles. He was 37 years old.

Police identified 27-year-old Trent Millsap in connection with the homicide. According to Westminster Police, “Millsap also an outstanding parole warrant. Millsap was a transient and known to frequent Westminster, Garden Grove, and Anaheim motels.” A police K9 was also shot during the confrontation with Millsap and is expected to recover.

East gained notoriety in the racing world as a 16-year-old, becoming the youngest driver to win a feature United States Auto Club National Midget event. He was the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East and won three USAC national driving titles.

He later competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Police responded to a call around 5:51pm on July 13 that a stabbing had occurred at the 76 gas station located on Westminster Blvd, according to their official press release. East was found lying on the ground and officers attempted life-saving measures before he was transported to a local trauma center, where he died.

Photo of Trent Millsap, alleged murder suspect.

The state of California currently has a crisis of homelessness and lawlessness. This murder may be another tragic consequence of policies which enable too many repeat offenders to be on the streets.