Family celebrates life of 3-year-old killed in alleged Tucson street race | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The family of 3-year-old Anna Garcia celebrated her life at St. Augustine Cathedral following her death from a crash caused by a suspected street race on the southside.

Anna was killed in the crash at Country Club and Valencia on April 10. That crash, which split the car carrying the toddler in half, also hospitalized her mother, who was pregnant at the time and has since given birth to a baby girl.

Jose Mendez was among many gathered at the cathedral for Anna’s celebration of life. He told News 4 Tucson the suspected street race leading up to Anna’s death never should have happened.

“Three lives and countless family members, it’s just all going to be changed forever after this,” Mendez said.

Mendez knows Anna’s father, Emmanuel, through his work as a youth football coach. Emmanuel and his wife Brianda were alongside Anna’s flower-decorated casket Tuesday morning as it made its way to and from St. Augustine Cathedral.

Several attendees wore purple, which was Anna’s favorite color. The service is the latest show of support for the family following the deadly crash earlier this month.

Anna’s death has spurred a call for Anna’s Law, with more than 23,000 people online calling for street racing to become a felony if it results in death or injury, with mandatory prison time upon conviction.

“I don’t wish bad on anybody, but the same token they need to pay for what they’ve done. There’s the Tucson dragstrip and places like that they can go to, let their frustration out, or their racing needs, not on the street, not down Valencia,” Mendez said.

The two suspects accused of killing Anna Garcia are expected to appear in a courtroom tomorrow.

Police have charged 16-year-old Oscar Ramirez and 22-year-old Christian Randall in connection with the case. Charges include second degree murder, endangerment and aggravated assault. Randall and Ramirez are expected to be arraigned in Pima County Superior Court tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.