The crash occurred on San Felipe Road south of Montezuma Valley Road near Julian, California, on December 4, 2025. Brayan Josue Alva-Rodriguez, 25, an illegal alien from Guatemala living in Oceanside, crossed the double yellow line and slammed head-on into the family's Toyota Camry. He faces charges of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and DUI causing injury.
The 8-year-old girl died at the scene from her injuries. Her father, U.S. Marine veteran Oscar Cruz Acencio, suffered severe trauma, including amputation of his leg above the knee and traumatic brain injuries. He recovers at a Navy hospital in San Diego.
Alva-Rodriguez entered the United States illegally through Calexico in February 2018. He received two DUI convictions in San Diego County on September 6, 2020, and April 7, 2021. An immigration judge ordered his deportation in March 2023, but he “failed to leave,” thanks to Gavin Newsom.
Jackie Cruz Acencio, the mother, told Fox News she has no sympathy for the suspect. She blamed sanctuary policies of Newsom’s California and weak enforcement for letting repeat offenders stay free. She praised President Trump's deportation efforts but said they arrived too late for her family.
Alva-Rodriguez remains in custody at San Diego County Jail. He was arraigned in the hospital on December 6, 2025. The California Highway Patrol continues investigating the collision.