Fontana, California – A 30-year-old man from Fontana, California, faces charges of murder in connection with a tragic DUI crash in Newport Beach that claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl over the Memorial Day weekend. The accused, Joseph Alcazar, had prior DUI convictions when he was arrested on suspicion of homicide and cruelty to a child following the fatal Balboa Peninsula collision. Authorities reported that alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident.
The victim, Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, from Rialto, was crossing the street with two others after a day at the beach when the tragedy occurred around 6:45 p.m. A driver had stopped to allow the group, which included Smiley, to pass when Alcazar allegedly went around the stationary vehicle, striking Smiley and injuring a 13-year-old girl’s foot in the process.
Alcazar reportedly stopped briefly after hitting Smiley, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Shockingly, Alcazar had his 8-year-old daughter in the vehicle at the time of the collision, along with another passenger. In addition to the murder charge, Alcazar now faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, exceeding the legal blood-alcohol limit, and child abuse and endangerment.
An arraignment for Alcazar is scheduled to take place later on Wednesday, shedding light on the legal proceedings ahead as the community mourns the heartbreaking loss of young Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. The fatal crash serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, highlighting the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel to prevent senseless tragedies like this one.