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Man with Prior DUIs and 2023 Deportation Order Suspected in San Diego Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old

An 8-year-old girl died after a head-on collision on Highway S-2 near Julian, San Diego County. Authorities say 25-year-old Brayan Josue Alva-Rodriguez is the primary suspect; a northbound Toyota Tacoma crossed a double-yellow line and struck a southbound Camry and a Ford F-350. Five patients were airlifted and three others taken by ambulance; two boys, ages 5 and 4, survived. ICE said Alva-Rodriguez entered the U.S. in 2018, faced two DUI charges while in immigration proceedings, was ordered deported in March 2023 and did not leave; a detainer will be sought if criminal charges are filed.

05:15 AM, 12/04/2025Society
Man with Prior DUIs and 2023 Deportation Order Suspected in San Diego Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old

A head-on collision on rural Highway S-2 near the mountain community of Julian in San Diego County left an 8-year-old girl dead and several others injured on Sunday afternoon. Authorities identified 25-year-old Guatemalan national Brayan Josue Alva-Rodriguez as the principal suspect in the crash, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m.

Crash sequence and response

According to the California Highway Patrol, a northbound 2005 Toyota Tacoma crossed a solid double-yellow line and collided head-on with a southbound Toyota Camry. The Tacoma then struck a northbound Ford F-350 that was towing a utility trailer, overturned and caught fire.

Firefighters extricated one person trapped in a vehicle and extinguished the blaze, while two occupants of the Tacoma were able to exit on their own. Emergency responders airlifted five patients to regional hospitals using four helicopters; three additional patients were taken by ambulance.

Victims

Three children were seated in the back of the Camry. Two boys, ages 5 and 4, survived and were hospitalized. An 8-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries at a children's hospital.

Suspect's background and investigation

Federal immigration officials say Alva-Rodriguez entered the United States on Feb. 8, 2018, and was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Calexico, California. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge and released while proceedings were pending. While in immigration proceedings, he was charged with driving under the influence on Sept. 6, 2020, and again on April 7, 2021. An immigration judge issued a deportation order on March 16, 2023; officials say he did not leave the country as ordered.

Now an innocent life has been lost in a tragedy that could have been prevented.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it is investigating the crash and identified Alva-Rodriguez as the primary suspect. ICE added that it will seek an immigration detainer if criminal charges are filed. The California Highway Patrol is conducting the traffic-collision investigation in coordination with local and federal authorities.

Ongoing inquiry

Investigators continue to examine the scene, vehicle damage and witness statements to determine the cause and whether impairment or other factors played a role. Additional details and potential criminal charges will be released as the investigation progresses.

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