DUI Driver Sentenced to 16 Years for Boy’s Fatal Hit-and-Run

Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Garden Grove: Justice Served

A heartbreaking case reached its conclusion recently as 30-year-old Ceferino Ascencion Ramos was sentenced to 16 years and four months in prison for a catastrophic hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of five-year-old Jacob Ramirez. On July 8, 2024, Ramos’s reckless behavior, compounded by alcohol consumption, led to the devastating crash that altered the lives of a family forever. His guilty plea, which included charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, underscores the tragic consequences of driving under the influence.

Ramos faced multiple charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. Ramos’s blood-alcohol content was recorded at .22, nearly three times the legal limit of .08%. The impact of the collision was catastrophic. Jacob Ramirez, who was critically injured, was taken to the hospital but was later declared brain dead. This tragic turn of events left an undeniable impact on the Ramirez family and the community.

The night of the accident marked a routine family outing gone horrifically wrong. Angel Ramirez, the boy’s father, and his wife, Angela Hernandez-Mejia, were riding electric bikes with their three children on Haster Street, shortly after 7 p.m. Ramos’s vehicle collided with them while they were enjoying a summer evening together. The father was pulling a trailer with Jacob and their now 8-year-old daughter inside, while the mother was managing another trailer with their then-7-month-old daughter. Angel suffered severe injuries, including brain bleeding from a fractured skull, leaving him in a coma initially. His recovery journey included a significant surgical procedure as he battled to regain stability following the traumatic event.

While the mother and youngest child sustained only minor injuries, the psychological and emotional impact on the entire family has been profound. The grieving process was further complicated by the tragedy’s nature, as Jacob’s older sister, now 8, bravely provided a victim impact statement during the court proceedings. Her heartfelt message detailed her deep love for her brother, recounting cherished memories of their time together, and her pain at his absence. The young girl expressed her sorrow publicly, saying, “I love Jacob so much. I don’t know why you killed him away from me.” This poignant moment underscored the innocence lost and the deep scars left on a family taken too soon from joy to grief.

The Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting how a moment of irresponsibility can bring lasting pain to innocent lives. He stated, "An eight-year-old little girl shouldn’t have to stand up in court and tell the man who killed her little brother how much she misses him because her little brother should still be alive." Spitzer’s comments serve as a reminder of the senselessness of the accident and the value of every life tragically cut short due to reckless behaviors like drinking and driving.

As the community mourns this unimaginable loss, the case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of responsible drinking and the far-reaching ramifications of impaired driving. It also emphasizes the need for continued awareness campaigns focusing on the consequences of DUI offenses. Families like the Ramirezes should have the freedom to enjoy simple activities without fear of disaster, reminding us all to advocate against drunk driving and support tighter regulations and community initiatives to ensure safety on the road.

Justice has been sought in this situation, but it cannot erase the emotional turmoil experienced by the Ramirez family. Ramos’s sentencing serves both as punishment for his actions and a reminder of the severe consequences of drunk driving. As the family continues to navigate life without Jacob, may we remember the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need for accountability—a conviction that emphasizes how one reckless choice can transform lives forever.