Santa Ana, CA — A 30-year-old Santa Ana man has been sentenced to 16 years and four months in state prison for causing a horrific drunk-driving crash that killed a young boy and left other family members with life-altering injuries, according to prosecutors.
The driver, Ceferino Ascencion Ramos, struck the family while heavily intoxicated — with a blood alcohol level measured at .22, nearly three times the legal limit.
Family of Five Struck While Riding E-Bikes on Summer Evening
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, July 7, 2024, shortly after 7 p.m., as Angel Ramirez and Angela Hernandez-Mejia were riding e-bikes with their three children in Garden Grove near Haster Street and Twintree Lane.
According to investigators, Angela led the group, pulling their 7-month-old daughter in a bike trailer. Angel followed behind, towing another trailer carrying their 5-year-old son Jacob and their 6-year-old daughter.
A witness later told police that the family was riding properly along the right side of the road when Ramos suddenly plowed into them — striking all five family members before fleeing the scene.
Witness Followed the Drunk Driver Until Police Arrived
Instead of stopping to help, Ramos sped away.
A quick-thinking witness followed his vehicle and provided real-time information to authorities, allowing officers to intercept and arrest Ramos shortly after the crash. When measured, Ramos’ .22 BAC confirmed severe intoxication at the time of the collision.
5-Year-Old Boy Killed; Father and Sister Critically Hurt
The impact of the collision was catastrophic.
Jacob Ramirez, just 5 years old, died at the scene from his injuries. His father, Angel Ramirez, suffered a fractured skull, a brain bleed, and other critical injuries that required emergency surgery and left him in a coma for weeks.
The couple’s 6-year-old daughter was also gravely hurt and required surgery; heartbreakingly, she turned seven the very next day.
Angela and the baby girl sustained minor injuries, but emotionally, the trauma was profound.
Family Delivers Emotional Statements in Court
During the sentencing hearing, the family’s now 8-year-old daughter bravely delivered a victim impact statement that brought the courtroom to tears.
“I love Jacob so much. I don’t know why you killed him away from me,” she told Ramos. “He’s in heaven now.”
Her words underscored the devastating ripple effects of the crash — effects that will last a lifetime for the Ramirez-Hernandez family.
District Attorney Condemns the “Senseless Tragedy”
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer strongly condemned Ramos’ actions, saying the family had been enjoying a quiet summer evening ride when their lives were shattered by a choice he called “a senseless tragedy.”
“Nothing about this should have happened,” he said. “This family did everything right — and still paid the ultimate price.”
Ramos Pleads Guilty to Multiple Felonies
Ramos pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges, including:
- Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Causing great bodily injury to multiple victims
- Driving under the influence causing injury
- Fleeing the scene of an injury crash
The sentence of 16 years and four months reflects the severity of the harm caused, prosecutors noted.
Should DUI sentences be even tougher when children are killed or injured? Share your thoughts in the comments — this case has shaken a lot of California families.
