Somber celebration memorial for San Ramon boy killed in DUI crash

SAN RAMON, Calif. (KTVU) - In San Ramon, a birthday that is part celebration, part somber memorial for a boy family and friends say was bursting at the seams with the joy of living.

"Every day is up and down, so my faith is being tested. I'm just trying to believe he's in a better place," says the boy's mother, Crystal Manoiki.

She says that the better place is higher place far beyond the here and now.

She and other family and friends released chocolate colored balloons into the evening sky above their house, and then celebrated with pizza and cupcakes— all, Elijah favorites on what would have been his 4th birthday.

"I really miss him a lot and I love him and I wish I could have him back," said the boy's father, Eric Dunn, Sr.

A boy with the infectious smile and inviting personality Elijah Dunn was killed September 9th in a DUI crash on Interstate-680 in San Ramon.

Crystal had run out of gas, and pulled her Camry to the shoulder while waiting for her husband Eric to bring a gallon. CHP investigators say 39-year-old Yrenit Malihan was driving under the influence when she crashed her SUV into the back of Camry. The impact killed Elijah, severely injured Crystal, and inflicted minor injuries on her two other children.

"That little boy was my heart and I was robbed, I was robbed of my complete beautiful family,"said Crystal Manoiki.

Court records show this is the second DUI charge against Malihan in about three months. She remains free on bail awaiting a court appearance in the first case, and charges in the crash that killed Elijah.

Manoiki, who buried her child last Wednesday, says she’ll always be heartbroken.

"Today I'm angry. Why, at four years old, can't I have my baby today? Why can't he celebrate with us today? Because you decided to get behind the wheel and do something stupid. At the end of the day, yes I want justice for my son and I will do everything I can to get it. But it's just not me, I don't wish ill will on anybody, "said the boy's mother.

At the gathering, through tears and strained smiles, there is talk and some laughter while remembering  how special Elijah was and a promise never to forget the boy, or the alleged crime that cost him his life.