A 72-year-old man who was behind the wheel of an SUV in a hit-and-run crash in Escondido that killed a teen was sentenced Monday to two years of probation and 90 days in custody.
Jon Kiesel pleaded guilty in Vista Superior Court last month to hit and run in the death of 14-year-old Anthony Lopez.
Because of Kiesel’s age and lack of criminal history before the hit-and-run charge, Judge Saba Sheibani gave permission for Kiesel to complete a program such as home detention instead of serving time in jail.
Anthony Lopez, 14, was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Escondido on Saturday night.
(Edith Vega)
The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Bear Valley Parkway and Grand Avenue about 9:30 p.m. on June 25, 2022. Anthony was walking east across Bear Valley Parkway against a red light when an SUV headed north struck him, Escondido police said.
The boy had been on a walk with a family member.
Officers and paramedics started CPR on him before he was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Anthony had just finished his freshman year at Orange Glen High School. He lived in Escondido with his parents and younger sister.
A cousin, Edith Vega, remembered him as a loving boy who “was always saying hi to everyone.” Vega said he was also smart and loved to read.
Police said physical evidence, statements from witnesses and law enforcement databases led investigators to identify the SUV as a black 2021 Lexus RX 350 and the driver as Kiesel.
His attorney, Rafael Acosta, said Tuesday that Kiesel was driving within the speed limit and had the right of way.
“The young man lost his life when he ran into the road and my client unfortunately has to live with that death on his conscience the rest of his life,” Acosta said. “My client feels horrible for the family.
“It’s a tragedy all around.”
