Alcazar allegedly struck and killed 14-year-old Sarah Miller while driving drunk. Disturbingly, his 8-year-old daughter was in the car with him at the time of the crash

On May 29, 2024, Joseph Alcazar, a 30-year-old man from Fontana with two prior DUI convictions, was charged with murder following a tragic incident over Memorial Day weekend in Newport Beach. Alcazar allegedly struck and killed 14-year-old Sarah Miller while driving drunk. Disturbingly, his 8-year-old daughter was in the car with him at the time of the crash. The incident occurred on the evening of May 27 at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and San Joaquin Hills Road. According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Alcazar was driving with a blood-alcohol level that was double the legal limit when he ran a red light and collided with the vehicle carrying Sarah and her mother. Sarah was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. Alcazar's history of DUI offenses includes convictions in 2015 and 2018, raising significant concerns about why he was still permitted to drive. In both cases, he completed mandated DUI education programs and paid fines, yet these measures proved insufficient in preventing this latest tragedy. “Joseph Alcazar’s actions have devastated a family and shocked our community,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Despite his previous convictions, he chose to drive under the influence again, this time with fatal consequences. We are committed to ensuring he faces the full measure of justice for his actions.” Alcazar was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder, as well as felony DUI and child endangerment due to his daughter being in the car. He is being held without bail and could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The Newport Beach community has rallied around Sarah’s family, expressing their grief and anger through vigils and calls for stricter DUI laws. A petition demanding harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders quickly gained thousands of signatures, reflecting widespread frustration with the current legal system’s inability to prevent such tragedies. State lawmakers have also taken note, with several pledging to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening DUI penalties. “We cannot allow repeat offenders to continue endangering lives,” said State Senator Patricia Bates. “This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform.” As the legal process proceeds, the focus remains on seeking justice for Sarah Miller and ensuring that similar tragedies are prevented in the future. The Newport Beach community remains united in its resolve to honor Sarah’s memory by advocating for meaningful change.