Friends and family are pulling for hit-and-run victim Mallory Rae Dies
Dozens of friends and family are pulling for 27-year old Mallory Rae Dies. She was a victim of a hit-and-run last Friday morning, and is being treated for head injuries at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. But her condition is not looking good.
There were a lot of hugs and tears outside the hospital Tuesday as loved ones were learning of Mallory’s condition. According to a website started by close friends (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/malloryraedies/mystory) Mallory has been undergoing a series of surgeries and evaluations to monitor her brain function. There’s been an outpouring of love and support messages from the community. The last update is as follows:
Tuesday Morning –
Mallory is still fighting her fight however things have taken a turn for the worse. At this time the doctors are taking her off her paralytic and sedative medicine so they can do more sets. Results of these tests are expected in about 24 hours. As we all know things change very quickly and we will do our best to get the information to you quickly once we have anything to share.
Dies is a bartender at Tonic lounge on State Street in Santa Barbara. She was leaving work early Friday morning, legally crossing the street on the 500 block of Anacapa when she was hit by a drunk driver. According to police, a congressional aid to Lois Capps, Raymond Morua, who made his first court appearance Tuesday allegedly fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who tried to convince him to go back.
Instead, Police say the 32-year old continued driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit, and ended up crashing into a tree at State Street.
But that’s not all, Morua is no stranger to the law. He had two prior DUI arrests, including a previous hit and run, driving with a suspended license and grand theft.
Morua had worked as a district representative for Congresswoman Lois Capps since 2011, but according to statements released by her office, she was not aware of his criminal background prior to hiring him. The statement also said that her office will be reviewing their hiring procedures as a result of this case.
Muroa was arrested for felony DUI and hit and run. But if Mallory Dies does not pull through, the Santa Barbara District Attorneys office says he could face murder charges.
Morua is being held on $250,000 bond. His arraignment was continued to Friday.
NewsChannel 3 Anchor Shirin Rajaee reports.
