Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Mother And Two Daughters Killed By Suspected DUI Driver

Support your source for local news!
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

A woman and her two daughters were leaving a child's birthday party in Placentia Saturday evening when they were struck and killed by a man who is suspected of driving under the influence.

KTLA reports that the three were walking across West La Jolla Street, leaving the birthday party of a 4-year-old girl around 10:30 p.m., when a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Nicholas Stephen Muñoz fatally hit them. According to ABC-7, "all three were holding hands" as they were crossing the street.

ABC reports that the mother has been identified as Patricia Santiago, and her daughters as 5-year-old Diana Ledezma and 8-year-old Stephanie.

According to the L.A. Times, Muñoz hit another car as well in the crash. One witness told KTLA that Muñoz attempted to flee the scene, but party attendees prevented him from leaving before police arrived. Muñoz was arrested on suspicion of DUI and murder.

Most Read