Two brothers, aged 8 and 4, are killed after driver being chased by cops slammed into family’s car in San Diego
- Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an off-ramp on Dec. 8
- At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, which suddenly crashed into the Honda.
- Velasquez Salgado was reportedly driving about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, killing the children
An 8-year-old San Diego boy and his 4-year-old brother were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase crashed into their family's car, causing a massive wreck.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an exit on Dec. 8.
At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, which suddenly crashed into the Honda.
Velasquez Salgado β who did not have a driver's license β was allegedly driving about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, prosecutors said.
The impact caused the car to hit a tree and burst into flames almost immediately.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase crashed into their family's car, causing a massive wreck
A family friend who serves as a nanny for the children drove the car, while the boys' mother, Victoria, sat in the passenger seat.
The two children were killed immediately.
The mother of the Orozco-Romero boys remains in the hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The children's babysitter who was driving the car also suffered injuries.
Velasquez Salgado is accused of trying to run from the scene, taking off his clothes in an attempt to disguise himself.
He was arrested a few blocks from the accident scene after hiding in a residential area.
Velasquez Salgado also rear-ended an elderly woman's car earlier during the chase, injuring her.
After initially being jailed on $1 million bail, Salgado's bail has since been revoked at the request of the prosecutor.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an exit on Dec. 8. At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, which suddenly crashed into the Honda.
Velasquez Salgado β who did not have a driver's license β was allegedly driving about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, prosecutors said. The impact caused the car to hit a tree and burst into flames almost immediately
The mother of the Orozco-Romero boys (pictured center) remains in the hospital due to injuries she sustained in the crash
A Gofundme has been started to support their mother and pay for final arrangements for the boys. Their father died last year
He pleaded not guilty last week to two murder charges, as well as charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, felony eluding and driving without a license.
If convicted, Velasquez Salgado faces 39 years and four months to life in state prison, the court said. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Brittany Phommavong, the two boys' godmother, said in one Gofundme that Malikai and Mason's father Tyrone passed away this past year.
βAnyone who knows these children knows that no matter what they were going through, they always wore beautiful smiles on their faces,β Phommavong wrote.
Moreover, their mother has suffered from lupus since she was eleven years old.
βThis tragedy is not fair. I'm at a loss for words. I just appreciate everyone's love and support.β
She has raised more than $22,000 of the $40,000 they are trying to use for funeral costs and Victoria's medical bills and expenses.