Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley : “Man charged with killing girl in Newport Beach DUI crash”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Newport Beach DUI crash
2. Teen killed in DUI crash Newport Beach

Joseph Alcazar, a DUI suspect, faces murder charges for the death of 14-year-old Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley in Newport Beach. The tragic incident occurred when Alcazar, driving under the influence, struck the girl as she crossed the street with two others. Despite a previous history of DUI offenses, Alcazar had his 8-year-old daughter and another man in the car during the crash. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has filed multiple felony charges against him, including murder and driving under the influence causing great bodily injury. If convicted, Alcazar could face up to 15 years to life in prison for this senseless and devastating loss.

Tragic DUI Crash Claims the Life of a 14-Year-Old Girl in Newport Beach

In a devastating turn of events, a 14-year-old girl named Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley from Rialto lost her life in a fatal DUI crash in Newport Beach. The suspect, Joseph Alcazar, 30, of Fontana, was charged with her murder by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Details of the Incident

The tragic incident took place on Saturday, May 25 near Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street at around 6:49 p.m. The young girl was crossing the street on E. Balboa Boulevard with two other people when the unimaginable happened.

According to Newport Beach police, an oncoming driver had stopped to let the group of pedestrians cross the road. However, Alcazar made the reckless decision to drive around the stopped car, ultimately striking Smiley as she was walking and running over the foot of a 13-year-old girl.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but tragically, Smiley was pronounced dead. Investigators later discovered that Alcazar’s 8-year-old daughter and another man were inside his car during the fatal crash. Shockingly, he was driving with a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit.

Legal Ramifications

Alcazar had a history of DUI incidents, including one that left him seriously injured. As a result, he was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple felony counts, including murder, driving under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily injury with two previous convictions, and willful endangerment of a child.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned Alcazar’s actions, stating, “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.”

Potential Sentencing

If convicted on all counts, Alcazar could face up to 15 years to life, plus an additional six years in prison. The tragic loss of Rosenda Smiley has left a community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.

This heartbreaking incident should serve as a wake-up call to all drivers to prioritize safety on the road and never get behind the wheel while impaired. The consequences of such actions can be devastating and have far-reaching impacts on families and communities.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Rosenda Smiley during this difficult time, and we hope that justice will be served in her memory.