POMONA, California – A tragic incident in Pomona has led to the death of three women after a suspected drunk driver caused a fatal crash. The driver, 36-year-old Victor Siharath, is now facing charges of three counts of murder and one count of DUI causing bodily injury, announced Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón.
Gascón highlighted that Siharath may potentially receive a life sentence if found guilty of the charges brought against him. The fatal crash occurred when Siharath ran a red light at an intersection, crashing into a vehicle carrying five people who were returning from a baby shower.
The victims of the crash were identified as Alejandra Olaez, 33, and Yesenia Ochoa, 33, both of Pomona, as well as the driver of the vehicle, Lorena Morales, 58, of Montclair. Morales’ husband, Jamie Garcia, and a 12-year-old girl in the back seat sustained critical injuries as a result of the accident.
The tragic incident unfolded around 11 p.m. on a Saturday night at White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard, according to the Pomona Police Department. Emergency responders discovered two women dead at the scene, while three others were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Sadly, one more woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, with two others suffering from moderate to severe injuries.
Upon investigation, police found Siharath to be the sole occupant of the SUV involved in the crash and determined that he was impaired while driving. The 36-year-old Pomona resident was promptly taken into custody on suspicion of felony DUI.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information about the crash to come forward and contact the Pomona Police Department. The community is reeling from the devastating loss of three lives, with loved ones mourning the senseless tragedy caused by an alleged act of irresponsibility.