Crime & Safety
Relatives of Children Killed On I-710 Labor Day Car Crash Prepare for Burial
Family members are asking for donations and prayers as they prepare to bury the three children, Thursday.
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Relatives of three little children killed as a result of a car accident on the 710 Freeway on Labor Day, will be preparing to bury them in Inglewood, Thursday evening.
Two of the children, 3-year-old Amanda Reyes and 4-year-old Angelina Reyes, were killed in the crash after the black car their mother was driving went off the side of the northbound 710 Freeway that morning, struck a tree and landed in a ditch.
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The third child, Erick Reyes, 6, was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced brain-dead and on life support.
The family decided to disconnect him from life support about a week ago, according to the children's aunt, Raquel Bosme.
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The fourth child, 8-year-old Richard Reyes, was taken to the hospital with only minor injuries but is currently under observation due to the traumatic events experienced.
The mother, 26-year-old Jessica Ortiz, was hospitalized at the Long Beach memorial hospital before taken into custody by Sheriff's officials at Lynwood's Regional Detention Facility.
According to the CHP accident report the occupants were all wearing seat belts.
The victims in the car accident were all Lynwood residents.
According to Bosme, Ortiz may have been under the influence of alcohol. At the time of the accident, CHP officials believed she had been speeding as well.
With a pending trial, it is believed that Ortiz may be facing up to seven years in jail for each child killed - a possible 21 years total.
"They are shocked...they never expected this to happen," said Bosme, who is married to Ortiz's brother.
Due to the unprecedented deaths, costs for the burial services of the three children has presented a financial burden on relatives. An account has been opened for those willing to donate. Prayers are also welcomed.
Those wishing to donate can do so with CitiBank, under the account name Maritza E. Mejia. The account number is 42003704543.
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