Phoenix Police: Arrest made following crash that left a child dead

Father speaks out as police arrest man in connection with crash that killed his daughter

51-year-old Fernando De La Garza is arrested in connection with a crash that left 11-year-old Alysah Marin dead, along with four others injured. FOX 10's Jennifer Martinez spoke with Alysah's father.

PHOENIX - Police in Phoenix say a man is behind bars for allegedly causing a massive accident that killed a child and sent four people to the hospital.

The crash happened in the area of 43rd Avenue and Indian School Road, and official say the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Fernando De La Garza, was allegedly under the influence at the time.

The suspect was allegedly driving on 43rd Avenue, near Indian School Road when he abruptly changed lanes, hitting another driver. That driver than crashing into the five people, killing 11-year-old Alysah Marin. A GoFundMe page has been set up by loved ones to raise money for funeral and medical expenses.

De La Garza and the driver of the other car were both uninjured.

Suspect arrested on a slew of charges

De La Garza is accused of committing a slew of offenses during his appearance in court.

"Class Two felony for manslaughter, two Class Two felonies for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two Class Three felonies for aggravated assault, and Felony for endangerment," said a person in court.

According to court documents, investigators at the scene said the suspect showed several signs of being impaired, and was not in a condition to safely drive a car.

"The urine sample was positive for PCP, meth, oxy and opiates. They were not able to get a blood draw from [De La Garza]," said a person in court.

De La Garza is currently being held on a $200,000 cash bond.

Victim's father speaks out

On Sept. 7, Alysah's father spoke out about what happened in the lead-up to the crash.

"She was always happy. Loved to dance. Loved God," said Daniel Marin.

Daniel said his family was walking home after getting something to eat when their lives changed forever. The other four people who were seriously hurt have been identified as Daniel's wife, sons, and niece.

"It's just still unreal," said Daniel. "I'm holding it. I have to. I have two boys that I have to make sure it's going to be alright, and my wife, she lost her baby girl like I did. They need me, so I have to."

Daniel said he forgives the man who allegedly killed his daughter and hurt others he know.

"I know I'm supposed to be angry, but I'm faith-based," said Daniel. "I forgive the guy. That's what my daughter would want me to do."