Read this story in English here.
The man accused of being under the influence of drugs when he crashed into a family of three, killing an 11-month-old baby, has been released while prosecutors obtain more evidence.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the 54-year-old driver was released under California law, which requires people to be released if they have not been charged with a crime within 48 hours of his arrest.
“The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), has requested expedited toxicology reports. When the investigation is presented to the DA’s office, homicide department prosecutors will review all of the evidence and determine which crimes can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Spitzer said in a statement.
Madden Ohlwiler, days shy of his one-year birthday, was killed Sunday afternoon when a driver ran onto the sidewalk and hit the boy and his parents as they drove through the Las Flores neighborhood. According to the CHP, the driver, San Clemente resident Daniel Patrick Lenihan, traveled hundreds of feet on the sidewalk before hitting the family.
Courtney Rotz, the boy’s aunt, said his mother suffered a broken pelvis and his father suffered a severe concussion.
Madden’s uncle said the family wanted justice, but did not hate the driver and understood the investigation process.
During this time, the community supports the family. Christine Wood, co-owner of Barberhood hair salon in Laguna Hills, will donate all money raised from Thursday’s haircuts to the Ohlwiler family.
“I think these people need all the help they can get, and I don’t think you need to know them to help them,” Wood said.
The family plans to celebrate Madden’s birthday this Friday. They remembered him as a happy baby, who brought immense happiness to his parents.
“That little boy was my sister’s world,” Rotz said. “She waited a long time for him, and he was a perfect little angel – always happy, always smiling with anyone and always playing with anyone.”