Suspect charged in DUI crash that killed mother, 2 daughters in Placentia

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man suspected of driving drunk and fatally crashing into a mother and her two daughters in Placentia was charged on Tuesday.

Nicholas Munoz, 27, was charged with three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter, officials with the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced.

Officials said Munoz was drunk when he crashed into 35-year-old Patricia Santiago, and her two daughters, 7-year-old Stephanie and 5-year-old Diana Ledezma, as they crossed West La Jolla Street at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday.

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The family had just attended a friend's party across the street from their apartment and were returning home when they were struck, according to officials.

Munoz was speeding and didn't brake before striking the family, officials said.

After hitting the family, Munoz crashed into a nearby truck that had stopped to allow the family to cross, officials stated. He remained at the scene and was later arrested.

Munoz was held on $150,000 bail and was scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 8.

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If convicted, the district attorney's office said he faces a maximum sentence of 16 years in state prison.