2 Children Killed, Sandra Ortiz Arrested in DUI Crash on Highway 78 [Vista, CA]

Police Arrest Mom after DUI Crash on Highway 78 in Vista Killing Her 2 Children

 
VISTA, CA (June 20, 2023) – Two children died and their mother was arrested after a DUI crash on Highway 78 in Vista Sunday night on June 18.
 
The fatal crash happened around 6:10 p.m. just east of Mar Vista Drive. According to the Vista Fire Department, the minors, a 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, got out of a green GMC Yukon after the driver, their mom, had pulled onto the shoulder of the highway.
 
A white Nissan Sentra in oncoming traffic then struck the two minors.
 
Both minors suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
 
Authorities said a suitcase that had come loose from the top of the car is possibly what prompted the two to get out of the car.
 
Police arrested the mother of the victims, 33-year-old Sandra Ortiz of Vista, on suspicion of driving under the influence, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and child endangerment.
 
Ortiz was booked into Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee. She is being held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
 
The 41-year-old driver of the Sentra remained on scene and cooperate with authorities.
 
Police are still investigating the crash. They asked anyone with further information to contact the Oceanside Area California State Highway Patrol.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and friends of the victims.

Speak with our litigators at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim if you have lost a loved one in a DUI crash. Our dedicated wrongful death lawyers will work with you through every stage of the legal process. Our goal involves getting you full and fair compensation and holding the at-fault party accountable. While you focus on things that matter, we will handle the rest. Call (800) 895-7199 to schedule a free consultation. You can also request a copy of the police report from this accident.