A pregnant teenager, who was just two weeks away from her due date, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident after confronting a man involved in a relationship with her underage sister.
Kaylie Corona, 16, was fatally struck late at night on February 2 in Riverside, California, following a confrontation with Isaac Blackhorse Garcia, 19, over his sexual relationship with her 15-year-old sister, according to KTLA reports.
Moments before the fatal collision, Garcia had been dropping off the younger sister at home when family members approached his vehicle. He then sped away, hitting Corona in the process.
Riverside Police stated: “Investigators determined that the suspect, 19-year-old Isaac Blackhorse Garcia of Moreno Valley, had been in a sexual relationship with the victim’s teenage sister. When he dropped the sister off at home, family members approached his vehicle. Garcia then sped away, striking the victim with his car.”
Chilling doorbell footage obtained by KABC captured the horrifying moment as Corona’s family screamed in terror and rushed to her aid, pleading with neighbours to call the police. Meanwhile, Garcia was seen speeding through the area in his black Mercedes-Benz.
Despite succumbing to her injuries in hospital, doctors were able to save Corona’s baby, named Elena by the family. Riverside Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback informed local news that baby Elena is currently in “critical condition” at a local children’s hospital, reports the Mirror.
Neighbours were left in shock as they witnessed a teenager “lying flat” on the ground, expressing their devastation over her tragic demise. Miriam Betamen, a local resident, recounted the harrowing incident: “There was a car that just flew really fast through here. We saw a girl that was right on the street, just laying flat. I was just praying that she would be OK and then when I found out she passed away, it was just so devastating.”
Following the incident, Garcia was apprehended and taken to the Robert Presley Detention Centre, facing charges of murder, hit-and-run resulting in death, and unlawful sex with a minor, with no option for bail.
Authorities suspect Garcia may have abused other minors and are appealing for any information regarding the murder or additional victims.
In an emotional plea through a GoFundMe campaign set up to cover the funeral costs for Corona and medical expenses for Elena, the teenager’s grieving family shared: “We are deeply heartbroken to share the devastating loss of our precious baby girl. At just 16 years old, she had a bright future filled with promise and excitement. She was eagerly looking forward to becoming a mother and meeting her baby.”
“Our girl was more than just a teenager-she was a radiant light in our lives. She was a caring, loving, and joyful soul whose presence touched everyone she met. She had so many dreams, so many moments ahead of her, and in the blink of an eye, all of that was stolen. In addition to losing our sweet girl, we are now facing the urgent medical needs of her baby, who is fighting for her life.”
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