The Redwood City and Sonoma County Communities are coming together to assist the Palencia-Valesquez Family; longtime residents of Redwood City who were catastrophically injured by a suspected DUI driver on the afternoon of April 10, 2021, in Sonoma County.

Everyone in the Palencia-Valesquez household was in the car when DUI Suspect Agustin Lemar DeLaRiva, 29 from Santa Rosa, plowed into the family while driving a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed.

Mother Lourdes Valesquez, was airlifted to Stanford hospital with life-threatening brain injuries. Two of her children remain hospitalized. Daughter Ivone Palencia has already undergone three surgeries, and her son Manuel Palencia remains in a medically induced coma. Daughter Paola who also suffered major injuries in the crash has been released from the hospital.

The Sonoma County District Attorney has charged DeLaRiva with 13 charges, including Felony DUI Causing Great Bodily Injury, Felony Stolen Vehicle, Felony Hit and Run, Causing Great Bodily Injury While in the Commission of a Felony, Prior DUI Enhancement, Driving on a Suspended Revoked License, Operating a vehicle without a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device and Possession of 8 pounds of Cannabis.

DeLaRiva appeared in Court on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, with his private attorney, Ryan Wilbur. DeLaRiva personally appealed to the Judge, asking her to release him on his Own Recognizance with a GPS monitor and alcohol testing. DeLaRiva stated he has cirrhosis of the liver and needed to be released to see his doctor and that he could not get the personalized care he needed while in jail.

We strongly oppose this.

The Sonoma County Superior Court Judge denied DeLaRiva's request.

The Redwood City and Sonoma County communities are asking for DeLaRiva's Bail to be increased to account for the catastrophic injuries he is suspected of causing to the Palencia-Valesquez Family and to more accurately reflect the danger he poses to the safety of individuals and families in Sonoma County and surrounding Bay Area communities.

DeLaRiva's next court date is scheduled for Friday, June 4, 2021, at 8:30 am in Department 2. 

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing via the Sonoma County Superior Court Department 2 Live Audio Stream at www.youtube.com/channel/UCHF9ryliq8baJFLdhRVwqzw

To read more about this story and ways you can help the Palencia-Valesquez Family please go to https://gofund.me/67b091a1