Three women killed returning from baby shower as 'drunk driver runs red light'
A suspected drunk driver has been charged with murder after three women tragically lost their lives in a horrifying car crash while returning home from a baby shower.
Yesenia Olaez, 33, her sister-in-law Alejandra Olaez, also 33, and the driver of their car, Lorena Morales, were all killed when a 36-year-old man ploughed into their sedan at an intersection in Pomona, California at around 11pm local time on Saturday night. Two other passengers, including a 12-year-old girl, were also injured as the alleged drunk driver, identified as Victor Siharath, reportedly ran a red light, causing a devastating collision.
Both vehicles were severely damaged, with Siharath's SUV coming to rest in the middle of the intersection as the sedan collided with a light pole. Lorena's husband Juan Manuel “Jaime” Garcia and Alejandra's daughter Naomi Olaez were also in the car. Yesenia and Alejandra were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lorena, Jaime, and Naomi were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
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Lorena Morales. The group had been attending a baby shower for her niece (Gofundme)
Alejandra Olaez had three children (Handout)Alejandra was a mother of three children. The group was returning from a baby shower for Lorena’s niece in Moreno Valley. Yesenia's sister, Blanca Gonzalez, expressed the family's profound grief, describing her sister as an exceptional person and a loving mother.
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She told KTLA: "There’s nothing more I could say in regards to her. She was the best sister… and the best person in our family. All the family is heartbroken, it’s a double loss tragedy right here. Everybody is not okay right now."
Yesenia, a dental assistant, was in the process of adopting her 11-year-old nephew, Brian Gonzalez, in an attempt to remove him from the foster care system. He told ABC7: "She was a loving mother."
He added: "I feel like her time was way too short. Although I do know she died peacefully and she died loving me. I wanted her to see me grow up." Yesenia's boyfriend is now going to fight for custody of the boy, according to reports.
Authorities said the man was driving while impaired and charged him with murder (ABC7)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Siharath was arrested for felony DUI, facing charges that include three counts of murder and driving under the influence causing injury. He is being held without bail, awaits his arraignment scheduled for March 28 and could face life in prison if found guilty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement: "There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr. Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community. [...] Those who choose to jeopardise themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences."
Yessenia Olaez was trying to adopt her nephew in order to remove him from the foster system (Gofundme)Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval also said: "Driving under the influence is 100% preventable. Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community."
Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis also condemned Siharath's actions. He said: "The actions and choices of a DUI driver on March 2nd took the lives of three innocent people and severely injured two others. The Pomona Police Department mourns with our community and the families of the victims."
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