A Richmond man has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in state prison for a drunk-driving crash last summer that killed 16-year-old Ricardo "Ricky" Funes-Barajas, wrapping up a case that began with a deadly collision outside a relative’s home on July 15, 2024.
Sentence and plea
Alexi Pineda-Ticas, 30, pleaded no contest in March to vehicular manslaughter and related DUI charges and was later sentenced to 11 years and eight months in state prison, according to The Mercury News. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped an earlier murder charge, and court records show Pineda-Ticas received 130 days of credit for time already served.
How the crash unfolded
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on July 15, 2024, when Funes-Barajas pulled out of a relative’s driveway and his vehicle was hit, according to a press release from the Richmond Police. Investigators said the other driver was speeding and showed signs of intoxication. Firefighters had to cut him out of his vehicle, and Funes-Barajas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal details and custody
As reported by The Mercury News, bail in the case had been set at $1.1 million. After sentencing, Pineda-Ticas was transferred to North Kern State Prison. The plea deal ends the criminal case but leaves potential civil actions and broader safety concerns for the victim’s family and traffic safety advocates.
Family reaction and local response
Ricky’s relatives held regular vigils at the crash site and circulated petitions calling for accountability. Family members and coaches remembered him as a bright student and dedicated teammate.
Wider context
Advocates say the case highlights broader gaps in how California tracks and monitors drivers involved in deadly crashes. Reporting by CalMatters has documented breakdowns in follow-up by the DMV and other agencies. In their initial release on the crash, Richmond police urged residents to plan sober rides and take extra precautions on the road.
