Carlos Rojas Mora: Baby Lupe killed in Phoenix hit-and-run, alleged Mexico escape bid
A fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a one-year-old boy has taken a dramatic twist, with police alleging the suspect tried to flee the country.
A Phoenix man accused of fatally striking a one-year-old boy with his vehicle and fleeing the scene has been arrested, as the toddler’s devastated parents demand justice.
Emergency crews were called to an intersection in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday after reports a child had been hit by a vehicle. The boy, identified by family as Baby Lupe, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries.
Police allege the 35-year-old Carlos Rojas Mora was behind the wheel when the collision occurred.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Investigators believe that the toddler wandered into a driveway before being struck. Authorities said the child was not under direct supervision at the time, prompting a response from the Department of Child Safety.
According to police, Mora initially stopped after the collision but allegedly left the scene in another vehicle before emergency responders arrived.
Court documents cited by local media allege Mora later attempted to leave the area and asked a friend to drive him to Mexico. However, the plan reportedly unravelled when the friend contacted police and attempted to hand him over to authorities.
Mora was eventually taken into custody during a traffic stop while travelling in the back seat of another vehicle.
Police allege Mora later told investigators he fled because he feared retaliation from the child’s father, who he claimed owned a firearm.
The case has left Baby Lupe’s family shattered.
“It just hurts that he just left them there to die without helping us and trying to flee and I just want justice for my son,” Baby Lupe’s father said at Mora’s initial court appearance, People reported.
“I lost my 1-year-old son, and I’ll never be able to get him back,” Lupe’s mother added in court, as reported by the outlet. “(Mora) is not even a man, he’s a monster.”
A GoFundMe page established to support the grieving family described the young boy as a bright light in the lives of those around him.
“Baby Lupe had a smile that would light up the room,” according to a GoFundMe set up to assist his grieving family. “(His) mama wanted to share her babyboy with the world, she was so proud of Lupe.”
Mora has been charged with hit-and-run resulting in death or injury. It is not yet clear whether he has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
