Repeat Drunk Driver Faces Murder Charges in Newport Beach Collision That Killed 14-Year-Old Girl

Newport Beach Drunk Driving Accident Leads to Murder Charges

Joseph Alcazar, a 30-year-old Fontana man with a history of drunk driving convictions, has been charged with murder following a tragic Newport Beach drunk driving accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley of Rialto. The incident occurred on the Balboa Peninsula during the Memorial Day weekend, as Smiley attempted to cross Balboa Boulevard with two other people.

5 Key Points

• Joseph Alcazar, a repeat DUI offender, has been charged with murder and other crimes related to the Newport Beach drunk driving accident.
• The collision resulted in the death of 14-year-old Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley and injured a 13-year-old girl.
• Alcazar’s blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the incident.
• The suspect had been previously convicted of DUI offenses in 2016 and 2020.
• If convicted on all counts, Alcazar faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus six years.

Tragic Collision on Balboa Peninsula

On Saturday, Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley and two other individuals were crossing Balboa Boulevard, west of Palm Street, against the don’t walk sign. A driver stopped to allow the group to cross; however, Alcazar, who was in the vehicle behind the stopped car, allegedly drove around it and struck Smiley while also running over a 13-year-old girl’s foot. Tragically, Smiley was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspect’s History of DUI Convictions

Alcazar’s criminal history reveals two prior convictions for driving under the influence in San Bernardino County. In 2016 and 2020, he was found guilty of DUI offenses, with one incident resulting in severe injuries to himself. Despite these previous convictions, Alcazar chose to drive while intoxicated once again, leading to the devastating Newport Beach drunk driving accident that took the life of a young girl.

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Endangering a Child and Traumatizing Witnesses

At the time of the crash, Alcazar’s 8-year-old daughter and another man were passengers in his vehicle. District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned Alcazar’s actions, stating, “A repeat drunk driver not only took the life of a little girl, but he also endangered the life of his daughter by getting behind the wheel after drinking and traumatized her and the other young girls who witnessed him hitting and killing a teenager.”

Charges and Potential Sentencing

Alcazar has been charged with murder, driving under the influence of alcohol causing significant bodily injury with two previous prior convictions, driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of 0.08 or higher with two previous prior convictions, and a misdemeanor count of willful endangerment of a child. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus six years.

The Newport Beach drunk driving accident that claimed the life of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. As the case against Joseph Alcazar progresses, the community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes for justice to be served.