- Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an exit on Dec. 8
- At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, who suddenly crashed into the Honda
- Velasquez Salgado was reportedly driving about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda, killing the children
An 8-year-old San Diego boy and his 4-year-old brother were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase crashed into their family's car, causing a serious accident.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an exit on Dec. 8.
At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, who suddenly crashed into the Honda.
According to prosecutors, Velasquez Salgado – who did not have a driver's license – was allegedly traveling about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda.
The accident caused the vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames almost immediately.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase crashed into their family's car, causing a serious accident
A family friend, who acts as a nanny for the children, drove the car while the boys' mother, Victoria, sat in the passenger seat.
The two children were killed immediately.
The Orozco-Romero boys' mother is still in the hospital from injuries she sustained in the accident.
The nanny who was driving the car also suffered injuries.
Velasquez Salgado is accused of trying to run away from the scene and taking off his clothes to disguise himself.
He was arrested a few blocks from the scene of the accident after he was found hiding in a residential area.
Early in the chase, Velasquez Salgado also rear-ended an elderly woman's car, injuring her.
After initially being held on $1 million bail, Salgado has since had his bail revoked at the request of prosecutors.
Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were driving a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 near an exit on Dec. 8. At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado, who suddenly crashed into the Honda
According to prosecutors, Velasquez Salgado – who did not have a driver's license – was allegedly traveling about 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended the Honda. The accident caused the vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames almost immediately
The Orozco-Romero boys' mother (pictured center) is still in the hospital from injuries she sustained in the accident
A Gofundme has been set up to support their mother and finance the boys' final arrangements. Her father died last year
He pleaded not guilty last week to two counts of murder and was also charged with aggravated manslaughter, hit-and-run, tax evasion and driving without a license.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, if convicted, Velasquez Salgado faces 39 years and four months to life in state prison.
Brittany Phommavong, the two boys' godmother, said in a Gofundme that Malikai and Mason's father, Tyrone, died just last year.
“Anyone who knows these children knows that no matter what they went through, they always had a beautiful smile on their faces,” Phommavong wrote.
Additionally, her mother suffered from lupus since she was 11 years old.
“This tragedy isn’t fair, I’m really at a loss for words, I just appreciate everyone’s love and support.”
They have raised over $22,000 of the $40,000 they plan to use for funeral costs and Victoria's medical bills and expenses.