Dad charged with murder after 5-year-old daughter dies in DUI wreck: Police

A California man faces a murder charge after police say he drunkenly crashed his car, killing his 5-year-old daughter. 

The Colton Police Department arrested Ernesto Avalos, 28, on the charges of murder, child endangerment and felony DUI. He was booked into jail on April 12. Officials say Avalos has a prior DUI arrest. 

On April 11, around 2:30 p.m., emergency crews responded to South Cooley Drive for a single-vehicle crash, according to Colton police. When they arrived, three people were inside the vehicle. 

The victims were taken to the hospital, where a juvenile died. The child was identified as 5-year-old Alexa Avalos. 

Police say the vehicle was heading south on the road when it crossed the center media and hit an electric pole. The car came to rest in the northbound lanes. 

Ernesto Avalos is currently being held in jail without bail. 

Family members started a GoFundMe in Alex Avalos’s memory. The page states the child’s mom lost her only daughter. The family asked for prayers during what they called a difficult time. 

“The memories will remain, however nothing can take the place of Alexa in our life,” the page reads.