A valley family is spending Christmas without a loved one -- killed just last week in a tragic hit and run.
They say the worst part is that the man accused of leaving the 51-year-old mother and grandmother for dead is free on bond.
On Christmas morning, Sarah Maria Junior and her aunt shared an embrace. A few feet away from where they stood is a memorial that honors her mother.
"It's just so hard..I feel like I can't get out of bed, but I know that I gotta be strong so that she can have the perfect funeral that she deserves," said SaraH.
On December 18th, the maroon Saturn Sarah Maria Esparza was driving was struck by a white Dodge Charger. The 51-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Fidel Ortiz, fled on foot and police later found him hiding at a nearby home.
Family members say her death is senseless. Police confirmed Esparza was wearing a seat belt and preliminary reports indicate Ortiz may have been driving twice the speed limit.
"They said he sped up and she sped up to try to avoid getting hit and he turned his wheel and he hit her so hard that the car ended up right here," said Sarah.
The suspect was booked into the 4th Avenue Jail on a number of charges shortly after being taken into custody. The victim's daughter tells us he was released just a few days later.
"Out of the result of his actions..was death not only that, but he was able to run away from the scene..he's only been in jail..it happened Tuesday..for about three or four days," said Charity Chagolla, the victim's niece.
"This guy is just spending Christmas with his family.." said Sarah, who confirmed Ortiz's release with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office as she prepares to bury the one woman that meant the most to her. She vows to fight for justice.
The family has set up an account to help pay for funeral expenses.
Memorial fund for Sarah Esparza Bank of America Account Number: 457020692834
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:10:21 GMT
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:07 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:07:32 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:42:24 GMT
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:09 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:09:33 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Fidel Ortiz
Sarah Maria Esparza
