Seaside woman and infant killed in Livermore crash

A tragedy out of the East Bay where a mother and her infant were hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver. On Monday News Channel 5 learned the victims were identified as 40-year-old Esperanza Morales and her daughter, 14-month-old Juli.

“She was the kindest person I’ve ever known,” said Angel Martinez, Morales’ brother-in-law. “Everytime you need help, shes always been there. A really hard worker. A really good person. I still can’t believe she isn’t with us anymore.”

At times, Angel Martinez was too distraught for words. The deaths of his sister-in-law and niece came a time when they should’ve been celebrating.

Martinez says his family was celebrating a first communion at a Livermore apartment on Saturday afternoon. After eating dinner, little Juli was restless and wanted to go outside. That’s when Livermore police say 35-year-old Brian Jones allegedly hit and killed them. Police said he had a blood alcohol level of .13%. Jones was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence.

Two other children were hit in the crash. They were taken to the hospital in stable condition. Martinez said his nephew came close to getting hit also. He’s in shock over the crash.

“He’s still in shock,” Martinez said. “He doesn’t realize how big it is right now. I don’t hink he realizes that his mom isn’t here anymore. Or he asks about his little sister. He cries a lot for his little sister.”

“It’s so painful,” said Gil Perez, Morales’ husband. “I don’t wish it on anyone. Because of a drunk driver, I lost my family, my little girl and my wife.”

Too heartbroken to talk about the crash on camera, family members would rather reflect on the beautiful little girl dancing and smiling.

“My little niece,” Martinez said, “She was really a happy person. Every time I’d come to the house, I’d open the door and she always smiled. She was only 14 months old she had her whole life to follow still.”

On Monday night, family and friends gathered at the Morales’ family’s Seaside home to console each other and pray. Martinez said the last time they were all there was two months ago, when Juli turned one.

It’s hard to reconcile during a time of absolute heartbreak, but the family will lean on he community for strength. Martinez said it will cost over $20,000 to bury Esperanza and Julie in Mexico. A gofundme account has been set up in their honor, and the family says all help is welcomed.