Man charged with murder of mother and daughter in DUI crash in Temple City – Pasadena Star News

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday that Diego Santoscruz has been charged with the murder of a mother and her daughter after he allegedly collided head-on with their vehicle in Temple City while under the influence of alcohol.

On August 17 at approximately 1:04 p.m., Santoscruz was allegedly driving a Toyota Scion xB under the influence of alcohol when he collided head-on with the victims' Honda CR-V near the intersection of Temple City Boulevard and Gidley Street. Jennifer Argueta and 10-year-old Sabrina Argueta were killed in the crash. The girl's father, who was driving the car, was injured but survived.

“This tragedy is a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the serious consequences that come with driving under the influence,” Gascón said in an email. “Our office is committed to ensuring that the person responsible for this horrific incident is held fully accountable for their actions.”

Santoscruz is charged with murder, intoxicated manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a press release.

Authorities had previously stated that Santoscruz was on probation for drunk driving at the time of the accident and was driving without a license.

Santoscruz is scheduled to be arraigned on September 24. If convicted, Santoscruz faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Argueta family has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses.

“My mother Jennifer had the kindest, gentlest soul and Sabrina's sunny smile could light up any room,” Raymundo Argueta wrote on the website. “The loss of these two beautiful, compassionate and innocent souls will always be with us, but we can take comfort in knowing their spirits will live on in our hearts forever.”