Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: A Chicago mother has shared her anguish after losing her teenage daughter to a felon on probation who allegedly slammed into the youngster's car while drunk. Stephanie Maze spoke with raw emotion about her daughter Amelia Mazeikis, who died on June 10, along with her boyfriend, D'Shaun Tudela, both 18 at the time of their death.
Stephanie said, "I have experienced no pain like this before. I wake up and I break every single day, over and over again. Whatever we can do to continue to fight for this beautiful person, I want to do it," to CBS Chicago. Amelia was driving D'Shaun to work around 9 am when prosecutors claim Deni Rubio, 32, was driving recklessly, as reported by CBS News.
Deni Rubio's blood alcohol levels were nearly twice the legal limit
During the accident, Rubio's blood alcohol levels were nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the collision, according to police. Moreover, his truck ended up in a ditch after the crash, with the prosecutors claiming that Rubio tried to grab a police officer's gun before being subdued. Notably, Rubio was on probation related to a weapons charge from 2022. "He is a murderer. He murdered these two children. Not one. Two," said Stephanie, hinting at the alleged accused.
The video footage from the scene shows one car racing through a red light and colliding with the pair's vehicle. Krystal Tudela, D'Shaun's mother, said it was a moment she would never forget. She said that she was struggling to keep going after her son died, as per WGNTV, stating that her son was active in church and volunteering, enjoyed woodworking and cooking, and possessed an artistic flair.
As of now, Rubio's bond has been set at $2 million, and he is currently being charged with five felonies. At his arraignment on Friday, August 4, he pleaded not guilty and was ordered to enter a substance abuse program at Cook County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court again on September 11, as per reports.
Tributes poured in for the young couple
When D'Shaun's grandmother, Evelyn J Tudela, shared a photo of the couple on Facebook, people poured in with their heartfelt comments. One person wrote, "Oh my goodness Evelyn. I'm so sorry for your loss may you and your family find comfort in your heart to get through this tragedy," while another said, "My sincerest condolences to you and your family, so sorry." "I have no words. God bless you and your family," commented one more, with another, stating, "I have no words that can ease your pain. I’m so sad for your loss. I just went through something extremely the same. Please known that I am only a phone call away for anything you need your and your family are my prayers."
