Contra Costa County DA charges 30-year-old with murder in the death of teen
The Contra Costa County District Attorney has charged Alexi Alexander Pineda Ticas, 30, with murder following the death of 16-year-old Ricardo Funes-Barajas. The charges stem from a fatal collision on July 14, which authorities say was caused by Pinedaticas driving under the influence.
The DA’s office issued a warrant for Pineda Ticas’ arrest on July 18. Richmond Police Department officers took him into custody on July 19 at 3:43 p.m. He is being held on a $1.1 million bail at the Martinez Detention Facility.
District Attorney Diana Becton said the incident has not only taken the life of a teenage boy, but it has also devastated his family.
“We will seek justice by holding the defendant accountable for actions that were both deadly and reckless. An incident like this is an emotionally wrenching reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol," Becton said.
The charges against Pineda Ticas include murder, driving under the influence, causing injury, and special allegations of causing great bodily injury.
“We want to express our condolences to the families and the communities that have been impacted by this tragedy,” Richmond Police said in a statement.
The crash occurred at the intersection of South 20th Street and Ohio Avenue in Richmond, where officers responded to a major vehicle collision. Funes-Barajas, the driver of one of the vehicles, succumbed to his injuries.
Ricardo, known as Ricky, was remembered as a beloved son, brother, and friend on an online fundraiser.
“Ricky was a sweet, intelligent boy who was loved by family, friends, teammates and teachers,” his aunt, Martha Barajas, shared on social media. “Ricky will always be remembered as someone who loved playing on his basketball team, who loved going on drives in his Mustang, and who loved his family. He will forevermore be loved and missed by us all. He leaves behind his parents and two younger brothers, along with many broken hearts.”
The family is seeking donations for Ricky’s funeral arrangements, inviting all who wish to pay their respects. The funeral service is scheduled for July 29, 2024.
Pineda Ticas is due in court on August 7.
This isn't the first suspected DUI crash where a Richmond child has lost his life this year. In April, six-year-old Amadeo Alvarez Jr. died in an alleged DUI hit-and-run collision at the intersection of Cutting and Carlson Boulevards.
Soren Hemmila
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