A 13-year-old California girl tragically died after she and her three siblings became victims of a violent car theft, authorities said.
Isabella Cortes was killed Sunday afternoon in Pico Rivera, California, they said.
The theft of cars involved a Toyota minivan belonging to his parents.
The vehicle was stolen when Isabella and her brothers, an 18-year-old girl and 11 and 8-year-old boys, were sitting in the vehicle waiting for their parents to pick up food from a restaurant, according to reports.
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Isabella Cortes, 13.
(Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deptartment)
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office identified the auto theft suspect as Jose Aguilar, 26.
Agents said the minivan’s engine and air conditioning were working when Aguilar attempted to steal it.
They said he jumped up and ordered Isabella and her siblings out, but then hurried down Whittier Boulevard without giving them a chance.
Isabella’s sister briefly quarreled with Aguilar and then she and the 11-year-old boy were able to leave, Lt. Barry Hall said, KTLA-TV reported. Either they were kicked out or skipped, he said.
Hall said moments after the 8-year-old boy was ejected when the minivan was going 45 to 50 mph, and Isabella was ejected as she was going even faster.
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The 8-year-old boy suffered serious injuries. Isabella was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff’s officials said Aguilar was caught after the minivan crashed and tried to steal another vehicle occupied by a woman and child. The woman’s husband was a short distance away at a fruit stand and saw what was happening.
“The dad who was trying to buy the fruit jumps back into the car, drowns the guy, and that’s when the guys from the fruit came up and helped him get (the suspect) out of the car,” Hall said, according to the station. “And I think they actually tied him up and detained him for the deputies.”
KABC-TV reported that Aguilar was arrested in May on one count of vandalism and released without having to post bail. He was also reportedly on probation for other crimes.
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The station reported talking to members of Isabella’s family, who said she was a lively girl who was hoping to start high school.
