Two young brothers lost their lives in a tragic car accident in San Diego after a police chase ended in a devastating collision. Reports indicate that the boys, aged 8 and 4, were identified as Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero.
The boys were traveling in a Honda driven by a family friend on Interstate 405 on December 8. Simultaneously, law enforcement officers were pursuing a BMW driven by Angel Velazquez Salgado, a 20-year-old who did not possess a driver's license, as per People.
Children Killed in High-Speed Crash, Suspect Faces Charges
According to prosecutors, Velasquez Salgado was allegedly traveling at approximately 100mph when he forcefully struck the Honda from the rear, causing a violent crash. The impact caused the vehicle to collide with a tree and burst into flames almost immediately. Tragically, the two children lost their lives instantly, while their mother, Victoria, who was seated in the passenger seat, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Velasquez Salgado made a desperate attempt to escape the scene, resorting to a rather ill-advised strategy of removing his clothes in an effort to disguise himself. In a turn of events, the individual in question was apprehended by authorities mere blocks from the scene, taking refuge within a residential neighborhood.
It has been reported that Velasquez Salgado was involved in a prior incident where they rear-ended another vehicle. This unfortunate event resulted in injuries to an older woman. It is worth noting that this incident occurred during the course of the police chase.
A suspect is facing a number of severe charges including two counts of murder, hit and run resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter, felony evading, and driving without a license. The accused person, who was initially granted bail in the amount of $1 million, has now had his bail revoked at the request of the prosecution.
The defendant firmly declared his innocence by pleading not guilty to all charges. Velasquez Salgado, if found guilty, may potentially receive a sentence that spans from 39 years and four months to life in state prison, according to Daily Mail.
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Community Supports Grieving Family After Tragic Loss
The devastating loss of these young brothers has left their loved ones heartbroken. Their godmother, Brittany Phommavong, started a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and their mother's medical bills. Phommavong stated that the boys' father, Tyrone Orozco, had passed away in December of the previous year.
She also shared that their mother had been battling lupus since the age of 11 and had been facing numerous challenges. The GoFundMe campaign has achieved more than half of its $40,000 goal, with the funds intended to provide the boys a dignified farewell and support Victoria's medical expenses.
The tragedy has deeply affected the boys' family, with their grandmother expressing immense grief and the sense that life will never be the same. She highlighted her daughter's resilience despite a difficult life and the profound impact the loss of her children will have on her.
The community has rallied around the family during this difficult time, offering support, condolences, and donations to help them navigate the aftermath of this devastating incident, Mirror reported.
