Penny Pizarro, 10, killed, another injured in collision involving stolen vehicle and alleged DUI driver John Eugene Bearden, Jr. at San Pedro Drive and Bell Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Modified Date: 
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 10:26am
Accident Date: 
Monday, March 27, 2023

Stolen vehicle crashes, 2 people critically injured

The driver, later identified as John Eugene Bearden, Jr., ran through a stop sign at San Pedro Drive and hit a gray Jeep SUV being driven by a 43-year-old with a 10-year-old girl passenger. Both were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Crash involving stolen vehicle seriously injures child, adult

He said the driver of the stolen car — 37-year-old John Eugene Bearden Jr. — fled the scene and was found hiding in a shed less than a quarter of a mile away.

10-year-old dies from injuries suffered in stolen SUV crash

Police say John Bearden, Jr., ran through a stop sign at San Pedro Drive and hit a gray Jeep SUV being driven by a 43-year-old with a 10-year-old girl passenger. Both were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

10-year-old girl dies weeks after stolen vehicle crash near Expo New Mexico

An avid singer and makeup artist, the 10-year-old Girl Scout loved to dress in tutus and put on mini pop concerts for her family and friends. When it was hot out, her go-to solutions were to cool off in some water or have some chocolate ice cream.

Remembering Penny: Classmates raise money to help the family of their friend killed in a car crash

Jennifer Pagan, who organized a GoFundMe campaign for the Pizarro family, said the effort so far has raised about $60,000 — far more than the $10,000 they had anticipated.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
John Eugene Bearden, Jr.
Penny Pizarro