An Arizona man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a toddler allegedly told investigators he tried to escape to Mexico because he was afraid of the child’s father, according to court records.
Carlos Rojas Mora, 35, of Phoenix, was arrested early June 8 and charged with hit-and-run involving death or injury. Police say 16-month-old Lupe was struck inside a mobile home park in west Phoenix, according to court documents reviewed by The Arizona Republic.
After his arrest, Mora allegedly told investigators he left the scene because he feared the boy’s father, whom he described as aggressive and known to carry a gun.
The case centers on the death of Lupe, who was discovered in the roadway just before 9 p.m. on June 7. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A probable cause statement says the toddler had wandered from his family’s yard into the street when he was hit by a vehicle.
Investigators allege Mora stopped briefly after the crash, then drove away.
A witness reportedly saw Mora get out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle involved in the crash, police said.
Court records state that Mora then ran to a nearby trailer, grabbed his brother’s keys and left in a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Carlos Rojas Mora, 35, was arrested after police linked him to a fatal hit-and-run that killed 16-month-old Lupe in a west Phoenix mobile home park
Mora allegedly tried to flee to Mexico after the crash because he feared retaliation from the toddler’s father, according to newly released court records
Authorities allege Mora then sought help from a friend, asking to be driven to Mexico after telling him he was wanted by Phoenix police in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.
The friend initially agreed but later decided he no longer wanted to be involved and dropped Mora off before reaching the border, according to court records.
Detectives eventually tracked Mora to another location, where undercover officers conducted surveillance before he was arrested during a traffic stop shortly after 2am on June 8.
After being advised of his Miranda rights in Spanish, Mora allegedly told investigators he fled because he feared retaliation from Lupe’s father, whom he described as hostile and known to carry a firearm.
Mora said he had been driving through the mobile home park to get food when neighbors began screaming.
He told officers he saw the child, panicked and fled the scene.
Mora also claimed he had been on his way to surrender to police when officers stopped the vehicle he was riding in.
He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on one count of hit-and-run involving death or injury, a Class 3 felony.
Police said one-year-old Lupe wandered into a roadway inside the mobile home park before he was struck by a vehicle on June 7
Investigators allege Mora stopped after the collision but later fled the scene in a Jeep Grand Cherokee
A judge set bond at $100,000 cash only during Mora’s initial court appearance.
Family members addressed the court during the hearing, pleading with the judge not to release Mora.
Lupe’s mother described the devastating loss of her son and called for justice.
‘I hope you guys do not release that man. He is not even a man. He is a monster. He is a baby killer for doing that, for leaving my dead, bloody baby,’ Lupe’s mother said in court.
His grandfather said the boy was his first grandson and spoke about the experiences the family would never get to share with him.
The child’s father also addressed the court, saying he just wanted justice for his son.
A GoFundMe created by relatives described Lupe as a child ‘full of joy and laughter’ whose smile could brighten a room.
Family and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil on June 8 to remember the toddler.
Phoenix police said the Arizona Department of Child Safety had also been notified.
