Fontana, California – A Fontana man with previous DUI convictions is facing murder charges after allegedly causing a fatal crash while driving intoxicated in Newport Beach over Memorial Day weekend. The Orange County district attorney’s office revealed that Joseph Alcazar, 30, was driving with his 8-year-old daughter in the car when he hit and killed a 14-year-old girl crossing the street, with a blood-alcohol level double the legal limit at the time.
The tragic incident occurred when Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley of Rialto was struck by Alcazar’s vehicle as she was crossing the street after a day at the beach. Despite efforts to save her, Smiley succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Another 13-year-old girl in the group was also injured as a result of the crash.
Alcazar has been charged with murder, along with multiple felony counts related to driving under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily injury and driving with a blood-alcohol content above the legal limit, due to his two prior DUI convictions. Additionally, he faces a misdemeanor charge of willful endangerment of a child.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, emphasizing the devastating impact of Alcazar’s reckless actions. It was revealed that Alcazar had previous DUI convictions in locations outside of Orange County and had suffered serious injuries in one of those incidents.
In California, individuals convicted of DUI are informed of the “Watson advisement,” which warns them of the potential consequences if they cause harm while driving under the influence. The presence of such advisement in Alcazar’s prior cases remains unspecified. The incident has highlighted the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating impact of impaired driving on individuals and communities. As legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of a promising young life due to a preventable tragedy caused by impaired driving.