A Georgia couple has offered forgiveness to the street racer whose actions resulted in the death of their unborn child and severe injuries to the wife. Symeon and Samantha Izaguirre were in the process of making a left turn off Satellite Boulevard near Duluth, Georgia, when Dorin Lupas, driving at 94 mph in a 45 mph zone, collided with their vehicle on June 20.
Samantha Izaguirre, who was six months pregnant at the time, sustained critical injuries including a broken pelvis and a leg fractured in three places. Doctors were unable to save the fetus. Symeon Izaguirre suffered a fracture in his lower back. The couple spent a month recovering in the hospital.
Following a three-month investigation, Gwinnett County police charged Lupas, 33, with three felonies: the killing of an unborn child and two counts of causing severe injuries by vehicle. He also faces charges of speeding, reckless driving, and racing. "We forgive [Lupas], and I don’t wish anything bad upon him," Symeon Izaguirre told Atlanta News First.
He hopes that their experience will serve as a cautionary tale for other drivers. "If you want to go fast, go to the track. There’s a place for everything. But don’t put other people at risk," he added.
Samantha Izaguirre is currently using a wheelchair as she undergoes rehabilitation, with further surgeries planned for her arm and leg. Symeon Izaguirre has taken time off work to care for his wife, and has set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical and living expenses.
The couple has expressed gratitude for the support they have received during this period. They were able to hold their unborn son, whom they had planned to name Zion, and shared memories of his features in an interview.
It remains unclear if Lupas has secured legal representation. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, and inquiries have been made to Gwinnett County officials.