A devastating crash in Southern California has left a young couple — and their unborn baby — dead after a police pursuit spiraled out of control.
Authorities say the tragedy unfolded the night of April 1 in Pomona, when officers responded to a domestic violence call that had nothing to do with the victims.
According to the Pomona Police Department, officers were speaking with a victim around 9:33 p.m. when the suspect suddenly returned to the scene in a truck, driving recklessly and even slamming into a parked patrol vehicle before taking off.
That’s when the pursuit began.
Police say the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Marshall Judson, led officers southbound before crashing into another car near Garey Avenue and County Road.
Inside that vehicle were two people who had no connection to the situation — and they never had a chance.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were later identified as Marc Anthony Trejo and Jennifer Alejandra Loera Zarco. Family members revealed that Zarco was more than eight months pregnant at the time.
In a heartbreaking twist, the couple had been preparing to welcome their baby boy — and had just celebrated Zarco’s birthday days before the crash.
“They were so excited. They had plans, they had projects,” Trejo’s father said. “They were both very artistic… and that’s where the story ends.”
Zarco’s sister described the loss as unreal.
“It doesn’t feel real. I feel like I’m dreaming,” she said. “It’s a bad dream.”
She also pointed out the devastating reality of what was lost.
“Not only two lives were lost… it was three,” she said. “The baby was almost here. He was only a couple weeks away from being part of this family.”
Judson was taken into custody at the scene. Police say officers found a firearm and firearm components inside his vehicle, and confirmed he did not have a valid driver’s license.
He now faces a long list of charges, including vehicular manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, driving under the influence, felony evasion, and multiple firearm-related offenses.