The father of a 22-year-old woman killed in a suspected DUI crash Friday had a message for the man arrested in connection with her death: "Life is too short, you should not throw it away."
Joseph Almonidovar and his wife Normie spoke on 17 News at Sunrise Thursday.
"She was basically a good child-- hard working, loving, and caring" Joseph Almonidovar said. "It is very hard to characterize Princess at this time."
Family members said Princess was out with friends at a gathering Thursday drove home early Friday when she was struck by a car the BPD said was driven by Alex Rubio, 24 of Bakersfield. Princess was killed on impact. Officers said Rubio fled and was arrested in a nearby neighborhood. He was booked on felony charges of DUI and manslaughter. He was released after posting a $170,000 bond.
Princess Almonidovar was set to be remembered at a funeral Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church at 4500 Buena Vista Road.
"We are amazed how people have tried to help our family," said Princess's mother, Normie Almonidovar.
The Almonidovar family was struggling to find forgiveness.
"It will be only by grace that we can forgive," Joseph Almonidovar said. "We would like (Rubio) to have a second chance if he will make use of it."
"It is a very big opportunity to make up for his ways," he added.
The Princess Flores Almonidovar Memorial Fund" was setup at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. Supporters are also able to donate money at any Body Xchange gym location. A car wash was set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Maui Pho at 4011 Ming Avenue. The San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) respiratory therapy program, where Princess attended school, established a fundraiser at Chilli's restaurant in honor of Princess. From Jan 13-15, Chili's will donate 10 percent of proceeds to the Almonidovar family. Supporters needed to print and present a coupon at the restaurant.
Joseph Almonidovar and his wife Normie spoke on 17 News at Sunrise Thursday.
"She was basically a good child-- hard working, loving, and caring" Joseph Almonidovar said. "It is very hard to characterize Princess at this time."
Family members said Princess was out with friends at a gathering Thursday drove home early Friday when she was struck by a car the BPD said was driven by Alex Rubio, 24 of Bakersfield. Princess was killed on impact. Officers said Rubio fled and was arrested in a nearby neighborhood. He was booked on felony charges of DUI and manslaughter. He was released after posting a $170,000 bond.
Princess Almonidovar was set to be remembered at a funeral Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church at 4500 Buena Vista Road.
"We are amazed how people have tried to help our family," said Princess's mother, Normie Almonidovar.
The Almonidovar family was struggling to find forgiveness.
"It will be only by grace that we can forgive," Joseph Almonidovar said. "We would like (Rubio) to have a second chance if he will make use of it."
"It is a very big opportunity to make up for his ways," he added.
The Princess Flores Almonidovar Memorial Fund" was setup at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. Supporters are also able to donate money at any Body Xchange gym location. A car wash was set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Maui Pho at 4011 Ming Avenue. The San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) respiratory therapy program, where Princess attended school, established a fundraiser at Chilli's restaurant in honor of Princess. From Jan 13-15, Chili's will donate 10 percent of proceeds to the Almonidovar family. Supporters needed to print and present a coupon at the restaurant.