- Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were riding in a family friend’s Honda on Interstate 405 on December 8 near an off-ramp
- At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado that suddenly slammed into the Honda
- Velasquez Salgado was allegedly going at around 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 slammed into their family’s car, causing a massive wreck.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were riding in a family friend’s Honda on Interstate 405 on December 8 near an off-ramp.
At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado that suddenly slammed into the Honda.
Velasquez Salgado – who did not have a drivers’ license – was allegedly going at around 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, according to prosecutors.
The crash caused the vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames almost immediately.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase slammed into their family’s car, causing a massive wreck
A family friend who serves as the kids’ nanny was driving the car, while the boys’ mother Victoria was in the passenger seat.
The two children were killed immediately.
The Orozco-Romero boys’ mother is still in a hospital for injuries she sustained in the crash.
The children’s nanny driving the car also suffered injuries.
Velasquez Salgado is accused of trying to run away from the scene, taking off his clothes in an attempt to disguise himself.
He was arrested a few blocks away from the scene of the crash after he was found hiding in a residential neighborhood.
Velasquez Salgado also rear-ended an the car of an older woman, injuring her, earlier during the car chase.
After initially being jailed on bail of $1million, Salgado has since had bail revoked at the prosecution’s request.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were riding in a family friend’s Honda on Interstate 405 on December 8 near an off-ramp. At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado that suddenly slammed into the Honda
Velasquez Salgado – who did not have a drivers’ license – was allegedly going at around 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, according to prosecutors. The crash caused the vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames almost immediately
The Orozco-Romero boys’ mother (pictured center) is still in a hospital for injuries she sustained in the crash
A Gofundme has been started to support their mother and pay for the boys’ final arrangements. Their father died last year
He pleaded not guilty to two murder counts, as well as charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, felony evading and driving without a license last week.
If convicted, Velasquez Salgado faces anywhere from 39 years and four months to life in state prison, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Brittany Phommavong, the godmother of the two boys, said in a Gofundme that Malikai and Mason’s father Tyrone died just this past year.
‘Everyone who knows these kids knows no matter what they were going through they always carried a beautiful smile on their face,’ Phommavong wrote.
In addition, their mother has suffered from lupus since she was 11 years old.
‘This tragedy isn’t fair, I’m really lost for words I just appreciate everyone’s love and support.’
She’s raised over $22,000 of the $40,000 they’re attempting to use on funeral costs and Victoria’s medical bills & expenses.