Family grieving death of Placentia mother, her 2 daughters struck by car

PLACENTIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Placentia family was devastated Sunday morning by the tragic loss of a mother and her two daughters struck and killed by a car.

Ysidro Ayala lost his daughter-in-law and two granddaughters in a horrific crash just outside their home Saturday night. He said the entire family is upset and heartbroken.

They said 5-year-old Diana Ledezma, her 8-year-old sister Stephanie and their mother, Patricia Santiago, had just been at a birthday party across the street for a little girl who was turning 4 years old.

All three were holding hands as they walked home, along with two other children of Santiago's.

Details leading up to the crash were not released, but authorities said Santiago and her two young daughters were the only pedestrians struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver, later identified by Placentia police as 27-year-old Nicholas Stephen Munoz.

Authorities responded to the crash in the 800 block of La Jolla Street and arrested Munoz, who also struck a truck at the time of the crash.

Police said he and the other driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.

Thirteen-year-old Roxanna Acosta said her aunt loved her family and her cousins were full of life.

"They were just really happy girls and they just enjoyed life," she said holding back tears. "All of us are really sad and we're just trying to help the other girls to be strong."

Munoz was booked on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence with injury.

Placentia police said they do not have any other suspects but urge the public to contact them with more information on the crash.