A suspected DUI driver was charged with manslaughter after authorities said he crashed into a Downey home, killing a grandmother and leaving her granddaughter hospitalized.
The suspect was identified as Ryan Mota, 24, of Maywood, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
On Aug. 16, Downey police responded to a home in the 9500 block of Gallatin Road after a driver crashed into the house around 2:30 a.m.
The suspect drove into the bedroom where the victims were sleeping. Agia Guirguis, 73, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 24-year-old granddaughter suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Neighbors said Mota’s car ended up in two separate rooms inside the house after the crash. Other family members were also inside, but they were uninjured.
Mota was arrested at the scene and on Sept. 10, he was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration or more causing injury.
“It is further alleged that he inflicted great bodily injury upon the victims, caused bodily injury and death to more than one victim, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or more and refused to take a chemical test,” the DA’s office said.
Mota is being held on $200,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 13 years and eight months in prison.
“There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who experienced an unimaginable waking nightmare. For anyone thinking about driving drunk, be warned: Prosecutors will hold you fully accountable for the harm and suffering you cause.”
The post DUI suspect charged after crashing into Downey home, killing grandmother appeared first on KTLA.
