DUI Crash in Rialto: Alexis Garcia Faces Murder Charges for Fatal Collision
DUI Crash in Rialto: Two Toddlers Killed, Driver Arrested
On November 24, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., Alexis Garcia, a 28-year-old resident of Buellton, was involved in a fatal crash at the intersection of Walnut and Riverside drives in Rialto, California. Garcia, driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck, allegedly ran a red light and collided with a white Honda Accord carrying two young girls, ages 3 and 4, along with their parents. The force of the collision caused the Honda to crash into a tow truck.
Both girls were restrained in car seats; however, one was reportedly ejected from the vehicle. Tragically, the girls were pronounced dead at the scene. Their father sustained moderate injuries, and their mother was unharmed.
Garcia fled the scene in his vehicle but was located by authorities approximately a quarter mile away and taken into custody. Garcia now faces two counts of murder, one count of driving under the influence causing death, and one count of felony hit-and-run.
Alexis Garcia has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder under California Penal Code § 187. This statute defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Second-degree murder does not require premeditation or intent to kill, making it applicable in cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior. In DUI cases, prosecutors often pursue second-degree murder under the legal doctrine of “implied malice,” commonly referred to as a “Watson murder.” This doctrine, established in People v. Watson (1981), allows a murder charge when the driver knew the risks of impaired driving and chose to disregard them. For example, individuals with prior DUI convictions or those who completed court-ordered DUI programs are typically considered to have been sufficiently warned about the dangers of driving under the influence. If convicted, Garcia faces 15 years to life imprisonment for each count of murder, totaling a potential 30 years to life in prison.
Garcia also faces a felony DUI charge under California Vehicle Code § 23153, which applies when a person drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes injury or death to another. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that Garcia’s intoxication significantly impaired his ability to operate a vehicle safely and was a substantial factor in causing the crash. Evidence such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, field sobriety tests, and eyewitness accounts will likely play a critical role. When DUI leads to fatalities, the offense can result in severe penalties, including 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison for each death or injury caused, along with fines, license suspension, and mandatory DUI education programs. Given the circumstances of this case, the DUI charge may carry additional enhancements for causing multiple deaths.
The third charge Garcia faces is felony hit-and-run, outlined under California Vehicle Code § 20001(a). This statute criminalizes leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death without providing assistance or identifying oneself to law enforcement. In this case, police allege that Garcia fled the scene of the crash, which resulted in the deaths of two young children. Hit-and-run charges are often viewed as aggravating factors in cases involving DUI or other serious offenses because fleeing the scene demonstrates a disregard for the victims and impedes immediate medical assistance. If convicted, Garcia could face up to 4 years in state prison, along with fines, probation, and additional penalties for obstruction of justice.
In cases like this, defenses typically focus on disputing key elements of the charges. For DUI-related murder charges, legal arguments may challenge the accuracy of blood alcohol testing or whether implied malice—necessary for a second-degree murder conviction—can be established. Additionally, the defense may seek to raise reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the driver at the time of the crash.
These factors will be critical as the case progresses through the courts, with each element requiring thorough examination and evidence to support or refute the allegations. If you have questions about serious criminal charges or need legal representation, The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi is here to provide skilled and knowledgeable assistance. Contact our office at 310-448-1529.
