A tragic scene that unfolded on a Garden Grove street last year has reached its legal conclusion, as Ceferino Ascencion Ramos has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. Ramos, who was found to have a blood alcohol content nearly triple the legal limit, pleaded guilty to charges including gross vehicular manslaughter. His reckless decision robbed a family of their 5-year-old boy and left the boy's father and sister with severe injuries.
The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, when the Ramirez family was enjoying an evening bike ride. Ramos struck all five family members as Angela Hernandez-Mejia led with their baby in tow, and Angel Ramirez followed, pulling a trailer with Jacob, the youngest son, who was killed in the crash, and his sister, according to the Orange County District Attorney's press release. A witness to the crash not only contacted the police but also followed Ramos until authorities apprehended him.
The aftermath of the crash left Angel Ramirez in a coma with a fractured skull, a brain bleed, and a young girl critically injured, requiring surgery. While the mother and 7-month-old sustained minor injuries, the emotional trauma inflicted upon the survivors is incalculable. During the trial, the 8-year-old sister, who has since recovered from her physical injuries, delivered a heart-rending victim impact statement, lamenting the loss of her younger brother: "I love Jacob so much. I don't know why you killed him away from me," she said. "He's in heaven now."
"An eight-year-old little girl shouldn't have to stand up in court and tell the man who killed her little brother how much she misses him because her little brother should still be alive, playing with his daddy," remarked Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Senior Deputy District Attorney Devin Campbell, of the Homicide Unit, brought Ramos to justice, securing the lengthy sentence for the catastrophic event that unfolded on a road that was meant for family memories, not for mourning.
