Suspects To Stand Trial In Alleged Street Racing Crash That Killed Woman, 90
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two men accused of causing a crash that killed a 90-year-old woman on Christmas night were ordered to stand trial Monday.
Vincent Lopez, 30, and 34-year-old Victor Hugo Sanchez were allegedly street racing in West Covina on the night of December 25 when Lopez's vehicle slammed into a van carrying 90-year-old Cilia La Torre.
La Torre, who had just been released from Queen of the Valley Hospital, was in a wheelchair in the back of the van when the vehicle was struck. She was thrown from the van on impact and died at the scene.
According to authorities Jaime Ochoa, the victim's son, had been driving. He was taken to the hospital and treated for head trauma.
Detectives said Lopez and Sanchez had been drinking together in a bar before the crash. According to witnesses, the two ran a stop sign at the corner of Lark Ellen Ave. and Merced Ave. before the collision.
Both men are charged with murder and drunken driving.
If convicted, both could face sentences of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
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