Toddler killed by DUI driver at grandmother’s gravesite as anguished mom speaks out
A 1-year-old girl was killed at a Sacramento cemetery on Sunday while visiting her grandmother’s gravesite with her family for Día de los Muertos — after allegedly being struck by a drunk driver.
The driver is now in custody on a manslaughter charge.
Miguel Guzman, 50, was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail, according to police.
He faces several charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and other DUI-related offenses.
Sacramento police responded to the crash near St. Mary Cemetery shortly before 5 p.m. Janessa Milagro Mazur Diaz, the 1-year-old girl, and her father were found injured at the scene.
The child later died from her injuries at the hospital, according to her family.
The child’s mother, Jackline Patino Diaz, told KCRA 3 that the family had recently celebrated Janessa’s first birthday.
“We were just celebrating, never in a bad mood,” she said.
Meanwhile, the child’s father, who was also injured in the crash, remains in the ICU with broken ribs, a fractured nose and skull.
Diaz told KCRA 3 about the heartbreaking moment she had to tell him their daughter had died.
“The first thing he asked me when I walked in the room was, ‘Where’s my baby?’ and I had to tell him she was gone,” she told the TV news station. “She’s not here with us anymore. It’s so crazy to think that we were just sitting at the cemetery, and he just came and ran over her, and now she’s gone. She’s not here with us.”
Guzman initially remained at the scene but allegedly attempted to leave before police detained him. Investigators are now looking into the crash as a hit-and-run.
The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover Janessa’s funeral costs, her father’s medical expenses and other financial needs.
“We are heartbroken beyond words. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing their child,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Our sweet Janessa was taken from us far too soon, and we would give anything to have her back in our arms.”
As of Tuesday morning, the family had raised more than $19,000 toward its $35,000 goal.
“Any donation, no matter how small, would mean more than words can express,” the GoFundMe reads.
The family also shared an emotional tribute to Janessa.
“Our sweet Janessa Milagro, Mommy will love you forever. You deserved a lifetime of birthdays, laughter, hugs, and beautiful memories. Your little life made an impact that will never be forgotten.”
Guzman remains in custody with bail set at $470,000, according to jail records.
He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
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