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Published on July 20, 2024
Richmond Community Grieves for Teen Killed by Suspected DUI Driver, Suspect Charged with MurderSource: Richmond Police Department

A recent tragedy in Richmond has left the community in mourning following the death of 16-year-old Ricardo Funes-Barajas, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver. Contra Costa County District Attorney has charged 30-year-old Alexi Alexander Pinedaticas with murder and additional counts related to driving under the influence and causing great bodily injury. According to the Richmond Police Department, Pinedaticas was arrested and is currently held at the county jail with bail set at $1.1 million.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight when Funes-Barajas, known affectionately as Ricky, had just left a family gathering. The DA's charges include Count 1- Murder PC187(a); Count 2- Driving Under the Influence of an Alcoholic Beverage Causing Injury VC23153(a) and Special Allegation- Great Bodily Injury PC12022.7(a); Count 3- Driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content Causing Injury VC23153(b) and Special Allegation- Great Bodily Injury PC12022.7(a).

Ricky was in his black Mustang, preparing to leave his aunt's house when the crash occurred. Surveillance footage and accounts from the scene suggest that speed and alcohol were factors in this collision, as Pinedaticas' blue car struck the teen's vehicle with such force that he was trapped and later pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters had to extricate the suspected DUI driver from his car, according to officials. Ricky's family, clearly devastated, assembled at the site, grappling with the sudden loss. "We were just outside all night. Couldn't believe what happened. Just here to support my sister, but there's no words. There's nothing that we can tell her. Nothing will bring him back," Maria Barajas, Ricky's aunt, stated as per KTVU.