On Monday, Sonoma County prosecutors charged Marcos Lopez Garcia, 22, in the death of a 4-year-old Santa Rosa boy, after he allegedly ran over the child in a crosswalk and quickly fled the scene on Thursday.
The little boy, Christopher Rowe was crossing the street with his mother and his two sisters around 6:00 p.m. at West Ninth Street and Rockwell Place when he was hit by a Honda Accord, reportedly driven by Garcia.
“Buddy” as his parents called him was on his way to soccer practice.
He was taken to Children's Hospital Oakland, but died Friday morning from his catastrophic injuries. In a statement, his family said: “his heart finally gave way.”
The statement continued: “Little Buddy will be remembered as an energetic, curious, active young boy who was also kind, compassionate and caring, especially with his twin sister. We will always remember his ever-present smile, beautiful steel blue eyes and peace-loving nature.
“The man who stole Buddy's life from us will be one day free, but we will always carry the burden of losing him forever.”
Garcia has been charged with felony hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter and driving without a valid license. He is currently being held on an immigration detainer.
According to court records, the illegal alien also has two previous arrests for driving without a license.
Despite his illegal status, Garcia says he works at a Santa Rosa restaurant known as Joey’s Pizza where he makes $10 an hour.
A memorial service for the child is set for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at St. Eugene's Cathedral in Santa Rosa.
The Rowe family has asked that condolences and donations be sent to the Christopher Rowe Memorial Fund, 1007 W. College Ave., No. 313, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. You can also go to www.christopherbuddyrowe.com.
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