Family Honors 11-Year-Old Boy Killed in Hit-and-Run

The family of an 11-year-old boy tragically killed in a hit-and-run expressed their sorrow and called for justice on Wednesday as they observed the accused in a California courtroom. The suspect, a homeless undocumented immigrant, is facing charges.

“Fly high, my warrior child,” the grieving family shared in Spanish, paired with a black-and-white image of Aiden Antonio Torres de Paz, who was smiling in front of a cake during his last birthday celebration.

In another heartfelt post, they shared a photo of Aiden with the caption, “My angel.”

A GoFundMe page created for the family emphasized, “Justice will be given to Aiden.”

Little Aiden was reportedly struck and left behind by Hector Balderas Ajirol just days before Thanksgiving. On November 26, he was playing soccer in the street outside his home in Escondido when the vehicle hit him and sped away.

His family found him unconscious and he later died at the hospital on Thanksgiving morning.

Balderas-Ajirol was arrested shortly after the incident, but the Department of Homeland Security disclosed that he had been deported four times since 2004, although he had no criminal record.

Details about his speed during the incident remain unclear, although the speed limit on that road is 35 mph.

During the court appearance, Balderas-Ajirol pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run charges resulting in death. Aiden’s family, wearing matching shirts adorned with his image, displayed their grief as they watched the proceedings from the gallery.

He is currently held on a $300,000 bail, with the judge prohibiting media from taking his picture. Prosecutors labeled him a flight risk and noted his status as a “temporary resident.”

After the hearing, Aiden’s family, too heartbroken to speak to the press, turned their focus to sharing Aiden’s memory online. They flooded social media with photos of him, one depicting him smiling in his cherished San Diego Padres jersey.

A small memorial was created outside their home, filled with Aiden’s favorite snacks, toys, photos, and a candle in his memory. A video captured the scene showing the items in the makeshift tribute.

The family also held a service at home, with Aiden’s small coffin present nearby.

Prosecutors are committed to pursuing justice for Aiden. “This case is a tragedy and every parent’s worst nightmare. We are doing everything in our power to bring justice to Aiden’s family,” stated Deputy District Attorney Nicole Gerard after the court hearing.