Hit-and-Run Suspect Now Facing Second-Degree Murder Charge [Orange County, CA]

Orange County, CA (Nov 21st, 2025)- Hit-and-Run Suspect Now Facing Second-Degree Murder Charge after authorities announced significant developments in a tragic Dana Point case involving the death of a 13-year-old boy. Officials say 59-year-old Bradley Gene Funk of San Juan Capistrano has been formally charged with second-degree murder for allegedly running over the young teen at a Dana Point intersection and then fleeing the scene.

Prosecutors also filed an additional charge of hit-and-run causing death in connection with the Tuesday morning crash that claimed the life of 13-year-old Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco.

Funk was initially scheduled for arraignment at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, but the hearing has been moved to Dec. 10 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. During Thursday’s brief court appearance, Orange County Commissioner Joe Dane ordered Funk held without bail due to the seriousness of the allegations and his prior history.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at about 8:20 a.m. Tuesday to Dana Point Harbor Drive and Park Lantern after multiple callers reported a vehicle–pedestrian collision. Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla explained that deputies arrived to find the teen with severe, life-threatening injuries while he was walking to school alongside his brother, who was physically unharmed. Authorities say Funk’s pickup truck drove up onto the curb before striking the boy.

Instead of stopping to help, Funk allegedly fled the scene. Witnesses, however, acted quickly by noting his vehicle and direction of travel, allowing deputies to track him down within just minutes—approximately two to three miles from the intersection. Investigators believe Funk was impaired at the time of the deadly crash. Sadly, Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Casey Cunningham confirmed the rapid timeline of the arrest, noting that Funk was taken into custody less than 10 minutes after the collision. Court records shed further light on Funk’s past, showing he previously accepted a plea deal in July 2021 that resolved two DUI cases. As part of that agreement, Funk was placed on probation until July 21, 2026.

The records show that Funk pleaded guilty to misdemeanor hit-and-run with property damage and driving under the influence of alcohol from a July 13, 2020, incident. He also pleaded guilty to another DUI occurring on July 10, 2020. Both cases took place in San Juan Capistrano. His sentence included 240 days in jail, with 180 days stayed pending successful completion of probation, and mandatory enrollment in an 18-month multi-offender alcohol program.

Because of these prior DUIs, Funk received what is known as a Watson Advisory—an official warning that future DUI-related crashes causing a death could escalate charges from manslaughter to second-degree murder. That warning is now central to the current case.

Compensation at Stake & How Text Kevin Accident Attorneys by Crockett Law Can Help

For families impacted by fatal hit-and-run crashes, the financial and emotional consequences are overwhelming. Compensation may include medical expenses before death, funeral costs, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and future income the victim would have provided. Wrongful death claims can also seek punitive damages when the conduct—such as impaired driving—is especially reckless.

At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys by Crockett Law, we understand how devastating these cases are. That’s why we use our experience and our commitment to fight for full justice on behalf of grieving families. We help gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, pursue wrongful death actions, and ensure families receive the maximum compensation possible. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so families can focus on healing.

Our law firm extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victims who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. It’s essential to have experienced Wrongful death accident lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 1-888-965-3827 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, or online chat. For a one-on-one consultation, you are free to visit our office.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Crockett Law Group of corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the accident scene.

Source: MY NEWS LA