$25K REWARD TO FIND MOTORISTS WHO STRUCK AND KILLED A LA MESA WOMAN IN SPRING VALLEY

By Miriam Raftery

July 10, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Michele Michalina Lange was a devoted mother  and a popular waitress at the Por Favor Restaurant in La Mesa.  But on June 22, her ended when she was walking across  Jamacha Blvd. near Lamplighters Village Drive in Spring Valley and was struck by two vehicles—a red SUV and a silver sedan.

 Both fled the scene, and now Michele’s father, Michael Lange, is offering a $25,000 reward to find those drivers and hold them accountable.

“I’m lost…I loved my daughter dearly,” he told 10 news, adding, “I want justice.”

Half the reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of each hit-and-run driver. 

A La Mesa resident, she had left Shooters Cocktails shortly before midnight and was walking across the street toward her boyfriend’s home when she was hit by one vehicle, then the next, both heading west. Law enforcement and fire personnel responded to a 911 call, but Michele Lange, 50, was dead at the scene of blunt force injuries to her head, torso and limbs.

Michele is survived by her teen son, Noah Steinbach. She had worked at Por Favor in La  Mesa for more than 20 years. On social media, customers and friends posted fond memories.

Brooke Everhart, a friend of Michele’s, posted on Facebook, “We are completely devastated by her loss. Michele lit up any room she walked into. She was an amazing mother and human who would do anything for her son and people she loved. And she was loved immensely by all the people she touched. The individuals responsible for her death are still at large and we are desperately hoping anyone with any information will do the right thing and come forward. Michele deserves so much more than this…We love you Michele. #justiceformichele

If you  have any information on this case,  please call the California Highway Patrol  office in El Cajon  at 619-401-2000.