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By Jackie Valley (contact) 
, Gregan Wingert
Published Monday, Oct. 31, 2011 | 9:25 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 | 3:41 p.m.
Faith Monet Love
Justin Caramanica
12-year-old stuck by Mazda
A man police say fatally struck a 12-year-old girl who was trick-or-treating Monday night has been arrested on a count of driving under the influence, according to jail records.
Justin Caramanica, 41, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center early Tuesday morning on a count of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, according to jail records. He was being held without bail.
The Clark County coroner’s office has identified the girl as Faith Monet Love of Las Vegas.
School District officials said Love was a seventh-grader at Rogich Middle School in the western valley. The district’s crisis response team was at the school providing counseling for students.
The incident happened when a 2009 Mazda RX-8 driven by Caramanica hit Love at 8:22 p.m. near West Wesley Lake Place and South Sandstone Bluffs Drive, Metro Police said. That neighborhood is near Sahara Avenue and Hualapai Way in the Summerlin area.
The girl was taken to University Medical Center, where she later died, authorities said.
The preliminary investigation indicates the Mazda was traveling south on Sandstone Bluffs Drive when it hit the girl as she was walking west across the street from the northeast corner of the intersection, police said.
The Mazda’s front left side hit the girl, police said. Caramanica was not injured.
The accident, which resulted in the 55th traffic-related fatality in Metro’s jurisdiction this year, remains under investigation.
It followed another alleged DUI-related accident that killed a teen in Henderson over the weekend.
In that case, Henderson Police said a Mercedes sport utility vehicle, driven by 77-year-old Imre Jeno Dayka, hit a 15-year-old boy crossing Center Street on Saturday night.
The coroner’s office identified the teen as Lucas Ruiz-Brenes of Henderson.
Dayka was booked into the Henderson Detention Center on Saturday night on one count of felony DUI with substantial bodily harm or death, police said.
WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO STOP THIS MADNESS OF MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS IN THIS VALLEY RUNNING OVER OUR CHILDREN!!!
Pedestrians have rights. You, the driver, have responsibilities. You, have the wheel of a potentially lethal weapon in your hands.
What is so darn hard and difficult about staying focused behind the wheel of a motor vehicle? Are your text messaging, phone conversations, daydreaming, substance abuse, or any other lame excuse for negligence behind the wheel more important than that of a child or any other innocent human being just trying to cross the street worth critically injuring or killing them? What is wrong with you people???
Yes, as a retired peace officer, I'm outraged. But, as a citizen I'm even more furious. For over twenty years I had to give rights to individuals that had committed acts against children and innocent people. As an officer, I constantly fought myself, internally, to restrain myself from delivering the revenge to individuals that did harm to children. This is where I despised my past career most, having to provide rights to those who have no regard whatsoever for others. I know what these type people are like firsthand. They want their phone call, their lawyer, and have no remorse whatsoever other than a phony act when they are finally brought before a judge or jury in the courtroom.
I guess there is nothing else to say other than begging each person behind the wheel of a motor vehicle to please do their part in stopping this madness on our streets.
To BChap - I certainly do understand the frustration behind your comment. People should be paying attention while driving - not eating, talking, etc. It is a tragedy that a child should be killed on any day of the week. I do not know the details of this particular accident and as a parent, I feel for the child's parents as well as the other children in that neighborhood who had to witness this terrible scene.
However, pedestrians also must take responsibility! Every day people are seen walking against the light, jay-walking, etc. I do not understand why someone would choose to "jay-walk" accross a 6 lane highway when a stop light is located less than one block away.
Even on Halloween, the fine people of Las Vegas can't be bothered to slow down and not run over kids. Unbelievable.
Also, this article is a little vague. Is the driver in custody? Was this a hit-and-run?
AMEN, Bradley, Amen.
The most selfish people in the world behind the wheel here in Lost Wages.
And may I add;
If you are young, and out partying...
get your S*&#T together.
You CANNOT drink/drug & drive.
You CANNOT drive like a madman, especially on quiet, residential streets. I live on a street where the limit should be 15, and young people are ACCELERATING down the street when they SHOULD be decelerating, and I always think to myself, "gonna kill somebody one day, and THEN we'll see how 'cool' you are."
What a terrible tragedy! I have to comment on our retired officer though. I hope he has more info than we have from this article, because I don't see anything about the circumstances of this tragedy. One would hope that our officers have tangible evidence before placing guilt on someone.
It truly is sad and my thoughts are with the parents.
I swallowed a bug...disregard my worst post in history. Throw the book at this clown.
Wow, I agree that pedestrians need to take responsibility, but defending drunk / under the influence drivers is pretty low, adavis64. I'm sure the parents of the 12 year old last night and the 15 year old on Sunday are mad at their kids for getting in the way of drivers under the influence.
My condolences, sincere and deep condolences to the parents and family of this child.
Thank you for the updates since my previous post.
On the one day of the year that you would expect kids to be out in the streets, this despicable human being decides to get drunk and speed through a residential neighborhood. My view of humanity goes down every day that I live in this city.
Being drunk behind the wheel and kiliing a young innocent child who is trick or treating is the worst thing you can do while driving short of murder! This guy needs to spend the next 20 years or more in prison! Terrible!
I live less than 300 yards from where this tragedy occurred, and I can tell you that given the way people drive along Sandstone Bluffs, this was only a matter of time. Sandstone Bluffs is a two-lane road that winds through residential neighborhoods and past a school and a park, and has only a 25 mile per hour speed limit, but drivers regularly fly down this road at 50 or even 60 miles an hour, despite how many pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, children and animals are constantly present. I have even had drivers pass me (on a two lane road!) because I wasn't doing enough over the speed limit to suit them. My wife and I are sick over this, knowing that it is very likely that this little girl trick-or-treated at our door just minutes before this happened. And what this story doesn't tell you is that two hours after this girl was struck and killed, while the police were still at the scene, ANOTHER accident occurred LESS THAN 100 YARDS from where she was hit, because another driver was speeding and couldn't stop in time when they saw that the roadway was blocked! Please, everyone, SLOW DOWN. PAY ATTENTION. DRIVE SOBER. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS. Help us spread this word and save lives. Our thoughts go out to the girl's family.
It's too bad that the parents didn't get to the driver before the cops. No one would blame them for just dealing with the situation then and there.
Parents need to teach there kids to stay out of the street expect in cross walks. I am not saying speeding or DUI's had nothing to do with this, but parents listen up: Teach your kids to use cross walks, and to stay out of the road. Not all blame lies with the drivers. Not saying this guy should walk free he was drunk & it was a horrible thing that he did & he will pay for his stupid actions.
For the most part, I agree with the comments above; pedestrians need to be more careful about where/how they cross streets but the drivers especially need to be mindful of the lethal weapon they control when driving. I am a resident of the subdivision just a block away from where this accident took place. I may well have handed out candy to the young girl who was killed. The reports have made this sound as if this occured at a busy intersection, which it did not. This occured on what would and should be considered a residential back street, primarily feeding the subdivisions located there. I have found that both young and older drivers do not follow speed limits or use common sense when driving.
My condolences go out to the family of this girl and I hope that the person involved in this accident is held responsible.
BChap, the answer is simple: enforce the laws.
We spend thousands on dui prevention, education, enforcement and then...they get to court and get a slap on the wrist.
I invite any of you to spend a day in municipal court and watch the proceedings on first and second offense dui drivers. It's same story every time, time served for night or two spent in jail. The mandatory 30 day sentence? Customarily suspended (remaining 28 days) do AA and victims impact panel and a fine that is mostly suspended so long as they don't have another. You don't prevent a second offense by suspending the punishment for the first.
Everyone comments on how celebrities get special deals they don't, everyone does. Go to court seriously Henderson, NLV, County and watch the cases get resolved its a worthless cause all the education and prevention means nothing if judges simply suspend the sentences.
I always try not to drive at all during trick or treat time, to many small kids, many dressed in dark costumes, hard to see and yes they can walk out in front of you at any time. This is very sad news.
I live less than a mile from the site, along the same street. I remember hearing the sirens last night and hoping that it was just a minor traffic accident.
My morning run takes me right past the scene, marked with spray paint circles marked with labels like "Candy Bag" and "Candy Bag Scuff Mark". I'm grateful that I couldn't read the labels on the opposite side of the street.
If Justin Caramanica was indeed intoxicated at the time then he made a CHOICE that ended the life of Faith Monet Love and should face charges of premeditated murder. Sadly the reality is that our perverted justice system will likely see him on the street and driving legally again within 10 years from now.
Cold blooded murder.
Unfortunately, despite, reams of laws, rules and regulations, tragedies like this can never be totally eliminated.
I've said it before and let me repeat: There is no reason to drive under the influence and no excuse is acceptable. The penalty must be made much more severe for the first time - not at the time when someone is injured or killed - because it's far too late then. Of course, the standard should apply to politicians, casino owners and judges, as well. Somehow, they always seem to skate on DUI arrests. Remember Bob Stupak or Clarence Collins Jr.? I do.
So yeah there are kids dressed in dark clothes - it's HALLOWEEN, that tends to happen.
Everyone who is old enough to drive should be smart enough to know 1, there's a million kids running around in the street tonight in masks and wearing dark clothes. You need to get in the car expecting it and expecting that driving is going to be a lot more difficult tonight.
2, who in their right mind would drive drunk on a night when they know everything from 1 above is happening?
Glad I don't live there anymore, hope it improves for those of you still there and frustrated with this, but I'm glad to be living in a smaller, safer town with a lot more common sense and concern for those around them.
Lots of interesting comments here. But the one fact that comes out is that motorists in this area drive too fast and with no regard for anyone. I have had a truck drive up on the sidewalk to make a right turn on red because I was blocking his path at the signal. Once I stopped a little short of a red light and a Harley in back of me pulled around my car to take up the 6 feet of space that I had left open in front of my car.
Try this: go out in your car and drive the speed limit anywhere in Vegas - City streets, the Interstate, residential, anywhere. Notice how often you get passed on the right, tail-gaited, etc. by people who seem to be in a bigger hurry than everyone else. It's a miracle that there aren't twice as many deaths as there are.
Throw the legal book at these drivers! Criminally and civilly! One's actions have consequences.
"...no regard for anyone. I have had a truck drive up on the sidewalk to make a right turn on red because I was blocking his path at the signal."
I agree -- there are tons of drivers with no regard for other drivers. However, I'm of the opinion that drivers stopped in the right lane have no regard for drivers behind them who can actually turn on the red. Please be considerate to other drivers and don't block the right lane on a red. It's all about efficiency, people. If you're going straight through the intersection, get into the middle lane and don't block the right lane!
Shame. Damn shame. sad story all the way around. No wonder why parents don't let their kids Trick or Treat any more. Insane!
There is no reason to drive drunk, and he should go to prison for his actions. At the same time, we need to teach our kids that they can't just cross the street in front of cars. If you can't make it across the road without the car slowing down, don't cross until it is safe to do so. Sure, pedestrians have the right of way, but common sense needs to prevail that they may get arrested or get a ticket for failing to yield, but the pedestrian gets something worse - death or serious injury.
thank god david roger is quitting!!!
These guys are in the casino, playing roulette and drinking free Heineken after Heinekin at 11am. Too many people in this town getting free drinks. Before he even finishes the beer the waitresses are there "get you another?". It's ridiculous. These people lose track of time and lose track of how many beers they have downed. Then, off to the streets of Las Vegas. I wouldn't let my kid cross a street in this town without adult supervision.
I was out trick-or-treating with my two young daughters last night, holding their hands and looking at their smiles, thinking that in the very near future, I'll be staying at home while they go out on their own. After this incident, I'm not so sure that I can let them do that.
I hope this man feels pain for the rest of his life. This poor girl's family will have to live with this forever, and be reminded every single Halloween of this tragedy.
TomD stole the words right outta my mouth. This guy needs to be put away, but the parents also need to have their heads checked for a functioning brain. No 12 year old is equipped to be a pedestrian using the cross walks in this valley.
This is horrible. My condolences to this little angels family. I hope justice is swift and complete.
I don't drink and drive, I actually do not drink at all. Yesterday, while driving, I saw a lot of careless pedestrians, in particular one black mom with 2 little twins about 2 years old: It was night, they were all dressed dark, and she was crossing the street casually, while the sign was expiring, and without even holding the hand of one of the 2 kids. This is child endangerment, as far as I am concerned.
I just picked up my 12 year old son from school and he handed me a school letter in tears...
"It is with deep sympathy that I inform you of the recent passing of a Sig Rogich Middle School student..."
What is going on here people? I can only sarcastically hope that all those in this community who disregard, ignore, and believe that they are above all the laws of our community because it's all about them are happy about this. In the last few days a 6 year old is killed (in a crosswalk) in North Las Vegas, a 15 year old is killed in Henderson, and now a 12 year old is killed in Summerlin. As people have said here...Stop Signs, Stop Lights, Speed Limits, School Zones, everything, means absolutely nothing to a large part of the drivers in our community. I experienced two road rage incidents myself yesterday with one maniac driver following into a store parking lot and confronting me. I'm a 5' 4", 120 lb female. Are you kidding me? Yes I drive slowly but what was he going to do beat me up after his profanity laced comments about my driving to slow. Its utter insanity and it has to stop.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
We lost THREE children in under three weeks due to reckless driving. Did that 78 year old woman ever get charged in Amelia's death yet?
I am OUTRAGED! The drivers here are out of control. We have too many people driving around under the influence. Too many drivers with no care in the world for other people. This has got to stop.
What can, we, the citizen's of the valley do to put a stop to these senseless murders?
RIP Faith. My heart and prayers go out to your family. If Faith's family is reading this, I am very sorry for your loss.
Do we know if this person was at a bar or another party,where drinks were served, before he got into his car and did this heinous act? If it turns out he was at another place or business, whoever let this person drive while intoxicated should be held just as accountable as he is. My prayers go out to the family and friends of little Faith. I can't imagine what they are going through right now.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss.
The first line of defense cannot continue to be party hosts and bartenders. Vehicles old and new need devices that do not allow ignition of an engine after drinking or taking drugs. Yes, this may invoke a life under "Big Brother", but that invention will be a glorious day in society. Until then, just be smart take a cab or bus, get a designated-driver or just plain drink at home exclusively. I am sure this person will wish he had.
This is incredibly sad. I'm 51 and the streets are no longer for me. Young drivers rule the road and that will never change; no laws or citation enforcement will change that.
I do not feel safe at all when WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK. The slightest venture on to a roadway is asking for trouble.
This is life in the wild, wild west. The fastest and the strongest rule. The rest of us have to stay out of their way.
What a terribly sad loss.
The casinos serve free drinks. In all my years of gambling I've never seen a casino say "we think you've had enough"....
Raising a child in this city is a challenge. The vices, the crappy schooling and the reckless drivers just add to the challenge. If I had a 5 year old I'd look to live elsewhere.
Kids crossing 6 lane roads like Towne Center, Charleston or Hualapai with speed limits of 45 where most cars go 60mph. If you don't see the danger to kids then I dont know what to say. Very difficult to raise a kid in this city. I wouldn't.
Way to go adavis64...defend a drunk driver. You make scumbags look gooooood.
We need:
1) More DUI check points.
2) Lower Speed Limits.
3) More pedestrian education for children.
4) Camera Speed enforcement.
What is also very sad (not mentioned in this article).. is that the driver, Justin, is the father of 2 kids and one of his children is a 12 year old girl.