Newport Beach, California – The father of a 14-year-old girl who tragically lost her life after being struck by a suspected DUI driver is speaking out about the devastating incident that has left a community in mourning.
Joseph Alcazar, a 30-year-old man from Fontana, is facing a murder charge in connection with the Newport Beach death. Alcazar, who has two previous DUI convictions, was found to be driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit at the time of the incident.
The victim, identified as Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, was with two others crossing East Balboa Boulevard when the tragic collision occurred. The group was on their way to get pizza after spending a day at the beach. Rose, as she was affectionately known, had dreams for her future – knowing which colleges she wanted to attend and yearned to travel.
The Smiley family, along with Rosenda’s friends, are now grappling with immense grief and trying to come to terms with the sudden loss. The devastated father described his daughter as precocious, stubborn, and compassionate – a talented and artistic young girl with a promising future ahead of her.
According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Alcazar faces multiple charges, including murder, DUI causing great bodily injury, and willful endangerment of a child. If convicted on all counts, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus an additional six years.
The tragic incident has not only taken the life of a young girl but has also deeply affected those who witnessed the collision. The community is left reeling from the loss of a bright young soul whose life was cut short due to the reckless actions of a repeat drunk driver.
As the case unfolds, the memory of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley lives on, shining a light on the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. The heartbreak of her family and friends serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter measures to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring in the future.