A San Bernardino man has been charged with murder after prosecutors say he ran a red light while driving drunk, fracturing his vehicle and killing two young children inside.
On Wednesday, Alexis Jose Garcia, 28, was charged with killing sisters Alina, 3, and Nevea Flores, 4, in a hit-and-run crash in Rialto on Sunday night.
According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, he faces seven felonies: two counts of murder, two counts of DUI manslaughter, one count of hit-and-run causing death, and two counts of DUI-related injury. It is said that
Prosecutors are seeking an enhanced sentence for Garcia because his blood alcohol level was found to be over 0.15%. The legal limit for drivers over 21 is 0.08%. His arraignment is scheduled for November 27, and prosecutors have filed a motion recommending no bail.
“This is yet another tragic drunk driving-related death that was completely preventable and resulted from selfish and reckless actions,” the San Bernardino County District said in a statement. Atty. Jason Anderson said in a statement. “There is absolutely no excuse for someone who gets behind the wheel drunk.”
Officers from the Rialto Police Department responded to a traffic accident at Riverside Avenue and Walnut Avenue on Sunday at 11 p.m. Police said a speeding Dodge Ram ran a red light and widened a Honda Accord, causing it to crash into a tow truck.
Both sisters were killed in the crash, with one of them jumping from the car and toys and clothes scattered across the intersection.
“Those two girls should be writing letters to Santa, but instead their families are taking on the unthinkable task of writing eulogies,” Anderson said.
The parents, identified by a friend as Valencia and Marky Flores, both survived the crash and were taken to the hospital, police said.
The driver of the Dodge, Garcia, fled the scene and was found by Rialto police about a quarter-mile away, where the truck appeared to be disabled, authorities said. Police said Garcia had a passenger in the car at the time of the crash, but he was not injured.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Flores family.
“Their father is currently undergoing surgery for a broken femur and will not be able to work until he is fully healed,” organizer Ciara Yanez wrote. “We are asking for prayers and donations to help with medical and funeral costs for them and their two daughters.”
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