Buena Park Man Charged In Alleged DUI Death Of 3 Female Pedestrians
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — An alleged drunken driver was charged Wednesday with killing three women in Anaheim after crashing into them at a high rate of speed as they walked home from a baby shower.
Anthony Lewis Sanchez is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol at a high rate of speed on Western Avenue as he approached the intersection at Del Monte Drive at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Feb. 9.
Victims Carmen Mendoza, Sheyla Mendoza, and Stephanie Henriquez were crossing the street while walking home from a baby shower. The three victims are related, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Sanchez is accused of failing to stop and barely slowing before crashing into the three victims at a high rate of speed. The defendant is accused of killing all three victims with the impact of the crash.
The Anaheim Police Department responded to the scene and investigated this case. Sanchez is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .17 percent, more than twice the legal limit.
Sanchez, 40, of Buena Park, is charged with three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter causing death with gross negligence while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, one felony count of driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more causing bodily injury, and sentencing enhancements and allegations for causing death to multiple victims, having a blood alcohol level over .15 percent, and causing great bodily injury.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison.
Sanchez is being held on $500,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
