Driving while under the influence can have deadly consequences, often for people other than the one behind the while. Families and lives are changed forever in an instant because of impaired driving. Tragically, two young sisters were recently killed in an alleged DUI hit-and-run crash in California.
Marky Flores and Valencia Avilez lost their daughters, Neveah, 4, and Alinah, 3. In late November, Alexis Garcia was under the influence of alcohol when he hit the family’s vehicle and then drove away. Now, he faces serious charges as the bereaved parents cope with the unimaginable deaths of their little girls.
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On November 24, the sisters died in the alleged DUI crash.
At approximately 11 p.m. on November 24, Rialto Police Department officers responded to an accident, the department shared via Instagram. “Two small children tragically lost their lives after a speeding Dodge Ram ran a red light, broadsiding a Honda and causing it to hit a tow truck,” the post detailed. A photo from the scene showed the smashed-up Honda with toys and debris scattered on the road nearby.
The sisters’ parents told ABC7 Eyewitness News that both girls were in car seats but one was ejected from the car. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect was later apprehended and charged with murder.
“The driver of the Dodge fled the scene but was later apprehended and found to be under the influence of alcohol,” the Instagram post continued. “He has been arrested for the murder of the children.”
The Rialto Police Department concluded, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ family during this unimaginable time.”
Later, news outlets identified the man as Alexis Garcia.
Fox 11 identified the suspect as Alexis Garcia, 28, of San Bernardino. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed seven charges against him, including murder, vehicular manslaughter, and driving under the influence. As of writing, Garcia was being held at the West Valley Detention Center on no bail.
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A GoFundMe campaign was started to help pay for the girls' final expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign also shared details of the accident that killed the sisters, noting that “both parents were transported to the hospital” as well. “Their father is currently undergoing surgery for a broken femur and will be unable to work until completely healed,” it explained. “We are asking for prayers & donations to help the family.”
In the description, the sisters were referred to as 'beloved angels.'
Although the Rialto Police Department didn’t identify the sisters, the GoFundMe campaign did. “We are saddened and broken by the loss of our two beloved angels, Neveah & Alinah,” the description noted.
As of writing, more than $54,000 of the original $28,000 goal had been raised.
