(Sacramento, CA) Police arrested Miguel Guzman, 50, after a vehicle struck a father and his 1-year-old daughter during a Día de los Muertos celebration at St. Mary Cemetery.
On November 1, just after 4:45 p.m., Sacramento police officers responded to St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center in South Sacramento. They found the father and child injured after both had been hit by a vehicle, according to the department. Emergency responders transported both of them to a hospital.
The girl, identified by her family as Janessa Milagros, died from her injuries. Her father was hospitalized with unconfirmed injuries. Janessa’s mother told CBS News Sacramento that she was planning her daughter’s funeral and speaking with investigators.
Police initially detained Guzman as a person of interest while investigating his involvement and possible impairment. On November 2, the department identified the Sacramento resident as the suspect and announced his arrest. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on felony allegations including DUI, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
Sacramento police said officers detained Guzman as he attempted to leave the scene. Guzman appeared in court November 3, and his plea and bail hearing was postponed until November 6.
Understanding the St. Mary Cemetery Crash
California Vehicle Code 23153 addresses impaired driving accompanied by an unlawful driving act or a failure to perform a driving duty that causes injury to another person. The reported DUI allegations concern both impairment and the conduct that resulted in the father and daughter being struck.
The reported attempt to leave also concerns California Vehicle Code 20001, which requires drivers involved in an injury or fatal collision to stop and fulfill identification and assistance duties. Those responsibilities apply at the scene. Police’s account of Guzman’s detention forms part of the reported hit-and-run allegation.
The charges describe the accusations against Guzman. The postponed plea hearing is a procedural step, and the criminal case remains pending.
Support for the Family
Request a victim-services contact through Sacramento police or the prosecutor handling the St. Mary Cemetery crash so your family can receive notice of hearings and available assistance. With funeral arrangements underway and the father also hospitalized, a single contact can help coordinate questions about the criminal case while the family attends to immediate needs. Keep funeral and medical expenses documented for any later discussion of restitution.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
