The driver who struck and killed a 17-year-old girl while street racing in Burke in 2023 will spend the next three years behind bars.
Joel Angel Zelaya, 45, was sentenced yesterday (Thursday) after previously pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He received a sentence of 10 years, seven of which were suspended, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s office announced.
“The sentencing guidelines in this case were 0-6 months of active incarceration; my office argued for a sentence of six years and ensured that the defendant would face prison time for the death of [Rebekah Zarco],” Descano said in a statement.
On the evening of July 18, 2023, Zelaya was driving 87 mph on Burke Centre Parkway — nearly double the posted speed limit — when he struck Zarco, who was exiting the Burke Centre Shopping Center parking lot in a 2023 Kia Forte, Fairfax County police said.
Zarco’s younger brother and two of his friends were also in the Kia during the crash and were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Zelaya later admitted that he had been street racing at the time of the collision. He had been traveling with a 99% throttle just a second before the moment of impact, according to prosecutors.
“There is no prison sentence that can do justice for the loss of a young life. [Zarco]’s family, church, and community are forever altered by her death due to the reckless actions of the defendant,” Descano said.
Zarco had recently graduated from Robinson Secondary School at the time of the collision and planned to attend George Mason University’s School of Engineering — “following in her father’s footsteps,” according to her obituary.
“In the midst of our grief, we find solace in knowing that Bekah’s beautiful soul has left an indelible mark on the world,” Zarco’s family wrote. “Her kindness, grace, and love will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were touched by her presence.”
Zarco’s death prompted a hard look at making potential safety improvements on the section of Burke Center Parkway where the crash took place. Earlier this year, Virginia Department of Transportation officials proposed a redesign of the intersection with Roberts Parkway that would add pedestrian facilities and give drivers clearer sightlines.
Photo via FCPD/Twitter
