Drunk driver faces murder charges after tragic crash kills 3 women returning from baby shower

POMONA, CALIFORNIA: Three women returning from a baby shower in southern California were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver, setting off a tragic chain of events.

Victor Siharath, 36, is facing three counts of murder and one count of driving while intoxicated and causing injury, according to a press release from Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

Victor Siharath rammed into car at White Avenue intersection 

At approximately 11 pm on Saturday, March 9, Siharath allegedly jumped a red light at the intersection of White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard in Pomona, striking the car that was carrying the three women, a man, and a 12-year-old girl.

In the words of Pomona police, two of the women died right away, and the third one was declared dead in a hospital by the medical staff. Despite suffering severe injuries, the man and girl were taken to the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery.

At the scene, Siharath declined to submit to a Breathalyzer test. As reported by Law&Crime, “There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community,” Gascon said.

“Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. 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.”

Three women killed in drunk driving accident during baby shower

33-year-old Yesenia Olaez, her sister-in-law Alejandra Olaez, and Lorena Morales, the driver of the vehicle died in the tragic incident. The three were returning from Morales' granddaughter's baby shower. GoFundMe pages were set for all three deceased women created by family and friends.

According to the description, Yesenia Olaez was a "wonderful wife, daughter, sister, and mother." Alejandra Olaez was a dedicated mother of three who "nearly never spent time on her own," all because of her hard work.

Morales' death was described as a "tremendous loss as a result of a careless drunk driver." Bianca Gonzalez told KTLA that the collision claimed the lives of her sister Yesenia and her sister-in-law Alejandra.

Siharath is being held without bond at the Los Angeles County Jail. The faces life in prison if convicted. According to Mayor Tim Sandoval, the three women's deaths have had an impact on the entire Pomona community.

“Driving under the influence is 100 per cent preventable,” he said. “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.”