A 27-year-old man accused of killing a woman and her daughter, as well as injuring several others, in an alcohol-related head-on collision has been charged with murder, officials announced last week.
In a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors allege that Diego Santoscruz had been drinking on Aug. 17 when he slammed head-on into the Argueta family just after 1 p.m. near the intersection of Temple City Boulevard and Gidley Street in Temple City.
Jennifer Argueta and her 10-year-old daughter Sabrina, both passengers in the vehicle the suspect hit, were killed. Authorities said Sabrina’s father, who was driving, was also injured.
A fourth person, a passenger in Santoscruz’s vehicle, suffered injuries as well.
“Our community is devastated by the senseless loss of Jennifer Argueta and her daughter, Sabrina Argueta,” said District Attorney Gascón. “This tragedy serves as a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the severe consequences that come with driving under the influence. Our office is committed to ensuring that the individual responsible for this horrific incident is held fully accountable for their actions. Our Bureau of Victim Services remains ready to assist the victims and their families during this unimaginably difficult time.”
The 27-year-old has been charged with two counts of murder; two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury.
Prosecutors have requested that the defendant’s bail be set at more than $4 million. He is scheduled to appear in court in late September.
If convicted as charged, Santoscruz faces the possibility of life in state prison.