The man accused of killing a 14-year-old girl after allegedly driving under the influence is now facing one felony count of murder in connection with the Newport Beach death.
Joseph Alcazar, 30, of Fontana, is a twice previously convicted drunk driver and was found driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit.
The victim was identified as 14-year-old Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley of Rialto. Smiley, along with three two other people, were crossing East Balboa Boulevard against the don’t walk sign. A driver stopped to let them cross, and Alcazar went around the car, striking Smiley and the foot of a 13-year-old girl.
Alcazar stopped shortly after hitting Smiley. The driver’s 8-year-old daughter and another man were inside the vehicle at the time of the deadly collision.
“A 14-year-old girl living the California dream enjoying a day of sun and sand at the beach with friends to kick off the beginning of summer is dead because of the selfish decision of a stranger,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “A repeat drunk driver not only took the life of a little girl, but he also endangered the life of his own daughter by getting behind the wheel after drinking and traumatized her and the other young girls who witnessed him hitting and killing a teenager.
A 14-year-old girl is dead after she was hit by a vehicle in Newport Beach.
Alcazar was charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily injury with two previous prior convictions, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of .08 or higher with two previous prior convictions, and one misdemeanor count of willful endangerment of a child.
The driver faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus six years if convicted on all accounts.
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