NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA – A tragic incident unfolded on a sunny Saturday evening in Newport Beach, leading to the death of a 14-year-old girl identified as Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley from Rialto. The driver responsible, Joseph Alcazar, 30, of Fontana, now faces murder charges, as revealed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The fatal crash occurred near Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street, just a stone’s throw away from the Balboa Fun Zone. Smiley was crossing the street with two companions when Alcazar, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, made a fateful decision to drive around a stopped vehicle, striking the young girl and injuring another. Despite the swift response of emergency crews, Smiley could not be saved.
Heartbreak and outrage gripped the community as details of the incident came to light. It was uncovered that Alcazar’s own daughter, along with another man, were passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Shockingly, Alcazar was found to have a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit, having previously faced consequences for two DUI incidents, one involving a serious injury to himself.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned the senseless loss of life, emphasizing the tragic consequences of Alcazar’s reckless choices. The charges brought against Alcazar – including murder, driving under the influence causing great bodily harm, and endangerment of a child – underscore the severity of the situation. If convicted on all counts, Alcazar could face significant prison time for his actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this preventable tragedy, the family and friends of Rosenda Smiley are left to mourn a life cut short by a driver’s selfish decisions. The stark reality that the only memories they will ever have of Smiley are those from her brief fourteen years serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of driving under the influence.