A scene depicting the potential consequences of impaired driving on the highway.
Jorge ErastoCruz has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder following a deadly car crash on the 5 Freeway that claimed the lives of two individuals. The incident, which involved driving under the influence, highlights the consequences of repeat offenders. Scheduled for sentencing on July 25, the case raises important discussions about road safety and the impact of impaired driving on communities.
Jorge ErastoCruz, a 37-year-old resident of Lake Forest, has pleaded guilty to murder following a fatal car crash on the 5 Freeway in November 2021 that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. ErastoCruz entered his plea on June 6, 2025, admitting to two counts of second-degree murder, along with charges of driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury and DUI with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
In addition to the felony charges, ErastoCruz faced a misdemeanor count for driving on a suspended or revoked license due to prior DUI offenses. The circumstances surrounding the case highlight a somber reality regarding repeat offenders and the dangers of driving under the influence.
The tragic incident took place on November 14, 2021, at approximately 2 a.m. A 2016 Honda Civic, driven by 23-year-old Shalaya A. Sierra from San Diego, was parked on the right shoulder of the southbound Santa Ana Freeway when the events unfolded. Following a roadside issue, a male passenger exited the Honda Civic and was subsequently struck by another vehicle.
ErastoCruz was operating a GMC Yukon and swerved to avoid the individual who had been struck. In the process, he crashed into the rear of the Honda Civic. This collision resulted in the deaths of 25-year-old Alice Read, also from San Diego, and the unidentified male passenger. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while Read succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter at a local hospital.
In the wake of the accident, ErastoCruz faced a range of legal consequences, including sentencing enhancements for causing great bodily injury while committing a felony. His criminal history complicates the case, as he was on probation for two prior DUIs from 2019 at the time of the fatal crash. ErastoCruz had previously entered guilty pleas for two misdemeanor DUI offenses in Orange County in 2019 and had been placed on five years of informal probation.
Due to his history of drunk driving, prosecutors were able to elevate the charges from manslaughter to second-degree murder, highlighting the severity of the incident and the implications of repeat offenses. His guilty plea reflects an acknowledgment of the significant ramifications resulting from his actions.
ErastoCruz is scheduled for sentencing on July 25, 2025. The outcomes of this case may serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving and the consequences that can arise from repeated offenses. As this tragic incident continues to resonate within the local community, it prompts discussions about road safety and the impact of alcohol consumption on driving abilities.
The case of Jorge ErastoCruz underscores the serious risks posed by drunk driving and the tragic loss of life it can lead to. With the upcoming sentencing date, attention remains focused on the judicial response to this incident and its broader implications for public safety and the enforcement of DUI laws in California.
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