A Pomona man faces three murder charges and an allegation of DUI after a crash on Saturday killed three women and injured two other people who were on their way home from a baby shower.
Victor Siharath, 36, was driving under the influence of alcohol when he ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle that was carrying five people, according to a news release from the office of L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón.
The crash killed the other driver, Lorena Morales, as well as sisters-in-law Yesenia Olaez and Alejandra Olaez, both 33. Additionally, Morales’ husband Juan Manuel “Jamie” Garcia and Alejandra Olaez’s 12-year-old daughter Naomi Olaez were injured, though they are expected to survive, officials said.
On Tuesday, Gascón anounced that Siharath has been charged with three counts of murder and driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury.
He also faces allegations of causing bodily injury and/or death to more than one victim, personally inflicting great bodily injury upon two of the surviving victims in the commission and attempted commission of the crime, and refusing a peace officer’s request to submit to and/or willfully failing to complete the chemical test or tests.
“Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy,” Gascón said. “Those who choose to jeopardize themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences. There is nothing that can bring back the countless lives lost to speeding and drunk driving, but our office will continue to hold those responsible.”
Gascón’s office said Siharath is being held without bail, though jail records indicate his bail was set at $430,000. Records show he’s being held at Men’s Central Jail.
“I am pleased that the District Attorney’s Office is aggressively pursuing charges on this matter,” Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said. “Driving under the influence is 100% preventable. Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community.”
Siharath is scheduled to be arraigned on March 28 at the Pomona Courthouse. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.