A months-long courtroom saga that has weighed heavily on Escondido ended in a guilty plea yesterday, as the driver in a deadly high-speed crash that killed 13-year-old Rodrigo Tapia Jr. admitted to his role in the wreck.
The crash, which left the boy dead and at least two other people injured, happened shortly before 10 p.m. on April 27, 2024, at the intersection of North Broadway and Country Club Lane in Escondido.
Alexander Tito Oroz, now 22, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury and an under-21 DUI count. He is expected to receive a sentence of about 12 years and eight months in state prison, according to the Times of San Diego. The plea came on the very day the case was set to go to trial.
Deputy District Attorney Min Yoon told the court that Oroz’s vehicle was traveling between 91 and 119 miles per hour in a 40-mph zone when it slammed into another car, as reported by 10News. Rodrigo, a Quantum Academy student, was riding in that car with his sister. Relatives said the girl survived but was injured.
Community and Family Reaction
Since the crash, friends, classmates and neighbors have turned a patch of roadside near the intersection into a makeshift memorial, leaving flowers and baseballs in the boy’s honor. Local groups also pulled together fundraisers to help the family cover funeral expenses. Hoodline coverage of the arraignment and the push for witnesses to come forward was detailed in earlier arraignment coverage.
What Happens Next
Oroz is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in March, and prosecutors are seeking the roughly 12-year, eight-month prison term outlined in the plea agreement, according to the Times of San Diego. His convictions include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury and driving under the influence while under 21.
Escondido police say the Traffic Division is continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact investigators. For additional details on the original arrest, appeals for witnesses and community fundraising efforts, see coverage from 10News.
