Richmond man faces murder and drunkenness charges after fatal automotive crash

In a criminal criticism filed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, Alexi Alexander Pineda Ticas is charged with murder, driving inebriated leading to injury, and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% leading to injury.

The charge of driving inebriated is aggravated by the allegation of significant bodily harm, which, in keeping with the prosecutor, upgrades the offenses to “serious violent crimes.”

Pineda Ticas was arraigned on these charges on Monday.

The fatal collision occurred just after midnight on July 15 at Ohio Avenue and South twentieth Street in Richmond. Prosecutors said the teenager was leaving his mother's house when Pineda Ticas ignored a stop sign and crashed his vehicle.

The boy was declared dead on the scene. The coroner identified him as Ricardo Funes.

Pineda Ticas was taken to a close-by hospital where his injuries were treated and he was released.

“This tragic incident not only took the life of a teenager, but also destroyed his family,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a press release Monday.

“We will seek justice by holding the defendant accountable for his deadly and reckless actions,” Becton continued. “An incident such as this is an emotionally wrenching reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.”

Pineda Ticas' bail was set at $1.1 million. He stays in custody on the Martinez Detention Center.

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