His family has identified the teenager as Rodrigo David Tapia Jr., also known to loved ones as “Junior.” He was described as a positive, driven and hardworking kid who lit up any room.
The intersection at N Broadway and Country Club, the scene of the collision, was taken over by a swarming crowd of family, friends, and teammates surrounding a small cross at dusk.
“They say God always takes the best ones and honestly he did,” said Junior’s sister, Ana Lopez.
Junior was inside a car Saturday night with the suspected drunk driver who collided with another car around 10 p.m.
“I don’t wish anybody to be in our shoes. My eyes are so swollen, I don’t know how much more tears I have in me,” Ana said. “A DUI costs less than burying somebody. Why can’t it be the other way around?”
Junior’s sister Ana told FOX 5/KUSI that her brother had been on the way home from a Quinceanera with their other sister and her boyfriend. The boyfriend, who was driving, was suspected by authorities of being under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred.
He has since been identified by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as 20-year-old Escondido resident Alexander Tito Oroz. Oroz was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.
“My mom told him we have an Uber friend he’s going to pick you up, but he just shined her off, he didn’t want to listen,” Ana added. “It’s not pride, don’t let your pride get to you.”
Oroz was later transported to Tri-City Hospital for medical release. He will be booked into Vista jail on the above charges, the department explained.
“I’m just so worried about my mom, but she’s not mad. She says people make mistakes, she’s not mad.”
Ana Lopez, Sister to ‘Junior’
It’s a tragedy not only leaving behind a message of safety, but a lasting legacy of who Junior was: A straight-A student and a knockout on the baseball diamond, who dreamed of playing in that brown and gold jersey one day at Petco Park.
“Tatis Jr., you’re my man,” Ana said. “My brother idolized you so much, keep doing what you’re doing because kids like him love you.”
The vigil on N. Broadway and County Club does not stand alone. Nearby are two others lined along the intersection. One neighbor told FOX 5/KUSI Monday night that he has witnessed several pop-up within the past few years.
Meanwhile, Junior’s sister-in-law is offering $5 dollar haircuts this week between Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. through 9:30 p.m. in the Escondido area. All proceeds will go to funeral-costs. You can contact her here .
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