Drunk Driver Kills Three From Same Family

Anthony Lewis Sanchez, 40, from Buena Park California  was drunk driving Saturday when he struck several people. Carmen Mendoza, 56, her daughter, Sheyla Mendoza and her niece Stephanie Henriquez, both 21, were heading back from a baby shower when they were struck with Sanchez's vehicle.

Sanchez and his passenger were treated for minor facial injuries after the crash.

Witnesses said the trio had "no chance of survival" as Sanchez's vehicle went "straight into them" on South Western Ave. in Anaheim.


Sheyla Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene, while Carmen Mendoza and Henriquez died later at UC Irvine Medical Center.

"The defendant is accused of crashing into these three victims, and he didn't stop. He barely hit his brakes, and he barely slowed down at all," stated Farrah Emami, Orange County District Attorney spokesman.




Police revealed that Sanchez, who is registered as a truck driver, was charged in 2006 with possession of methamphetamine. The charge was dismissed after he completed a drug-treatment program. He was also busted in 1997 for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

Evelyn Morales, whose baby shower the women were at before the tragedy, said "We're trying to work with it. It's tough, especially with three losses." The whole family was devastated by the news. 

Sanchez is being charged with three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter in addition to two other felony counts related to driving while intoxicated. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison. 



Click here for the original article