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Teenager stabbed during huge brawl in Roseville parking garage

Teenager stabbed during huge brawl in Roseville parking garage

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What California Families Can Learn from This Tragedy: Estate Planning for Young Adults and Families

Source: Gold Country Media – Roseville Stabbing

Who This Article Is For

If you’re a California parent with teenage or young adult children, this tragic incident in Roseville highlights critical estate planning issues you cannot afford to ignore. This guide helps California families protect young adults from violence, criminal charges, and legal consequences while ensuring proper estate planning protects your family if tragedy strikes.

The Roseville Incident: What Happened and Legal Implications

The event that should concern every California parent:

On January 19, 2026, at approximately 1:00 AM, a massive brawl involving 10-15 people erupted in the Oak Street parking garage in Roseville, California. The violent confrontation resulted in:

  • A 17-year-old victim with multiple stab wounds (currently in stable condition)
  • 24-year-old Levi Cole arrested and charged with attempted murder
  • Multiple injuries among participants
  • Active criminal investigation ongoing
  • Potential charges for other participants

    • Legal consequences both parties now face:

    For the 17-year-old victim:

  • Potential medical bills of $50,000-200,000+
  • Long-term physical and psychological trauma
  • Possible lost educational opportunities
  • Criminal investigation determining his role
  • Civil liability depending on circumstances

    • For 24-year-old Levi Cole (alleged assailant):

  • Attempted murder charges (15 years to life if convicted)
  • Civil lawsuit from victim and family
  • Asset seizure to pay damages
  • Criminal restitution ordered by court
  • Lifetime felony record

    • Why This Matters for California Estate Planning

    This incident illustrates multiple estate planning issues California families must address:

    1. Young Adults Need Healthcare Directives (Even at 18)

    The 17-year-old victim’s parents likely had authority to make medical decisions. But once your child turns 18 in California, you have NO legal authority over their medical care unless they’ve signed a healthcare power of attorney.

    Critical scenario:

    Imagine your 18-year-old child is seriously injured:

  • Emergency room doctors need permission for surgery
  • You’re not legally allowed to make decisions
  • Hospital requires court order to proceed
  • Every minute counts in trauma situations

    • Solution: Healthcare Power of Attorney for College-Bound/Young Adults

    Every California 18-year-old should have:

    Advance Healthcare Directive

  • Names parents (or trusted person) as healthcare agent
  • Authorizes emergency medical treatment
  • Specifies wishes about life-sustaining measures
  • Includes HIPAA authorization for medical records

    • When to establish:

  • Before 18th birthday (takes effect at 18)
  • Before leaving for college
  • Before moving out of family home
  • Before military service
  • Any young adult living independently

    • California-specific requirements:

  • Must be signed by two adult witnesses OR notarized
  • Cannot be witnessed by healthcare provider or facility operator
  • Should be reviewed every few years
  • Keep original with important documents

    • 2. Financial Power of Attorney Protects Young Adults

    If your 18+ child is incapacitated, you cannot access their accounts or manage their finances without legal authority.

    Real-world scenarios:

  • College student injured, needs someone to pay rent/bills
  • Young adult in coma, student loans continue accruing
  • Medical bills mounting, family can’t access victim compensation funds
  • Bank accounts frozen without proper authorization

    • Solution: Durable Financial Power of Attorney

    Young adults should authorize parents to:

  • Access bank accounts if incapacitated
  • Pay bills and manage finances during recovery
  • Apply for victim compensation
  • Handle insurance claims
  • Manage student loans and financial obligations

    • Example: The 17-year-old Roseville victim will turn 18 during recovery. Without a power of attorney, his parents will lose authority to manage his affairs, file insurance claims, or pursue victim compensation on his behalf.

    3. Criminal Defense and Asset Protection

    For families of accused perpetrators like Levi Cole, estate planning becomes critical:

    Asset protection strategies:

    Separate family assets from adult child’s liability

  • Do NOT co-sign loans or credit cards
  • Do NOT add adult children to your bank accounts
  • Do NOT put adult children on property titles
  • Maintain clear separation of finances

    • Why this matters:

    If your adult child causes harm (intentionally or accidentally):

  • Victims can sue for damages
  • Joint assets can be seized
  • Co-signed obligations become your debt
  • Your retirement and home at risk

    • Proper structure:

  • Adult children should have separate accounts
  • Parents can gift money, but keep accounts separate
  • Use revocable trust to protect family assets
  • Maintain umbrella liability insurance ($1-2 million)

    • Example: If Levi Cole’s parents co-owned property with him or had joint bank accounts, the victim could pursue those assets in a civil lawsuit. Proper separation protects the family’s wealth.

    4. Victim Compensation and Estate Planning

    California’s Victim Compensation Program provides:

  • Medical expenses up to $70,000
  • Mental health treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Funeral/burial costs (if fatal)