SoCal Family Grieves Loss Of 14-Year-Old Daughter Who Was Ran Down By DUI Driver In OC

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A SoCal family is seeking the public's help after a 14-year-old girl was killed following a DUI crash in Newport Beach.

Rialto resident Rosenda Smiley was walking the Balboa Peninsula Saturday evening in the area of eastbound Balboa Street at westbound Palm Street when she was hit by a drunk driver.

"[Rosenda] was a student, a loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a friend to many. Her sudden and senseless passing has left a void that can never be filled," family friend Crystal Collins wrote on the Smiley family's GoFundMe page. "She left us smiling, enjoying the sunshine, and experiencing a joyous weekend with her friends and her boyfriend before it was tragically cut short by a drunk driver."

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The driver was identified as 30-year-old Joseph Alcazar, of Fontana. Smiley was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the criminal complaint, Alcazar is also accused of injuring another girl and endangering a third.

Alcazar's 8-year-old daughter was in his car at the time of the collision, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The other victim was a 13-year-old girl whose foot was run over, prosecutors said.

Alcazar faces the upgraded charge of murder instead of voluntary manslaughter because he has a prior conviction for driving under the influence in March 2016 and another conviction for reckless driving in December 2020 in San Bernardino County. A murder conviction could result in a life sentence whereas a manslaughter conviction results in a set period of time in prison.

Alcazar is accused of driving with a blood-alcohol level of .16 in Saturday's collision, according to the criminal complaint.

To help cover funeral expenses and more for the family, Rosenda's family has set up a GoFundMe account where residents can donate. To visit the GoFundMe page, click here.