Southern California (Thechieftainspear) –A 27-year-old father from Pomona, Jesse Garza, was tragically killed in a suspected DUI crash in Diamond Bar just minutes from his home.
The accident occurred in the early hours of March 4 near North Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue. Garza had left work around 11:30 p.m. and was driving home when his car was struck by a 24-year-old driver, identified as Winston Jarrett Fairchild. The crash, which involved a third vehicle, caused severe wreckage, leaving debris scattered across the roadway. Garza was pronounced dead at the scene, while Fairchild was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department believe that speed, intoxication, and a red-light violation may have played a role in the crash.
Garza’s wife, Regan Porter, arrived at the crash site and was devastated when she saw her husband’s bumper in the intersection. “I kept telling his brother on the phone, ‘I think I found him,’” she recalled through tears.
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Loved ones remember Garza as a devoted father and hardworking provider for his wife and two young children. In response to the tragedy, the community has come together to raise money for funeral expenses and financial support for his family.
His parents, Vincent Garza and Vanessa Van Muysen, expressed their grief and called for justice. “Their son is still alive,” Van Muysen said of the suspect’s family. “They can hug their son, talk to him, but I’ll never see mine again. He should be behind bars for the rest of his life.”
On March 6, Fairchild pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, DUI causing injury, and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. He remains in custody on a $100,000 bail and is scheduled for a court hearing on March 27.
Garza’s family hopes his story will serve as a warning against drunk driving, urging people to think before making a reckless decision that can cost lives.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Garza’s family, and a fundraising car wash will be held on March 8-9 outside Gullien’s Central Liquor in Chino at 13115 Central Avenue, beginning at 8 a.m. Food and drinks will also be sold to raise funds .
