| For Immediate Release Case # 13NF0532 February 13, 2013 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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DRUNKEN DRIVER CHARGED WITH KILLING THREE WOMEN IN CRASH WHILE THEY WALKED HOME FROM BABY SHOWER
SANTA ANA – A drunken driver has been charged with killing three women by crashing into them at a high rate of speed as they walked home from a baby shower. Anthony Lewis Sanchez, 40, 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 this afternoon, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2013, Sanchez is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol at a high rate of speed on Western Avenue in Anaheim approaching the intersection at Del Monte Drive. Victims Carmen Mendoza, Sheyla Mendoza, and Stephanie Henriquez were crossing the street while walking home from a baby shower. The three victims are related.
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.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Troy Pino of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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