Murder and Manslaughter Charges Filed in Temple City DUI Crash That Killed Mother and Daughter
Temple City, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Diego Santoscruz has been charged with two counts of murder following a fatal DUI crash that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her 10-year-old daughter. The tragic accident occurred on August 17, 2024, when Santoscruz allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol and collided head-on with the victims’ vehicle.
Understanding the Serious Charges Against Diego Santoscruz
Diego Santoscruz (DOB 11/13/96) faces multiple charges in connection with the fatal DUI crash, including:
- Two counts of murder (California Penal Code § 187(a))
- Two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (California Penal Code § 191.5(a))
- Two counts of driving under the influence causing injury (California Vehicle Code § 23153(a))
Murder charges in DUI cases are rare but can be pursued under California law in cases where the driver’s actions demonstrate a willful disregard for human life. Known as a “Watson murder”, this legal precedent stems from the 1981 California Supreme Court decision in People v. Watson. This principle is applied when a defendant has prior knowledge of the dangers of drunk driving, often due to a prior DUI conviction, making them liable for second-degree murder if their actions result in fatalities.
Incident Overview
The tragic collision occurred on August 17, 2024, around 1:04 p.m., near the intersection of Temple City Boulevard and Gidley Street in Temple City. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Diego Santoscruz was allegedly driving while intoxicated when he veered into oncoming traffic and struck a vehicle carrying the Argueta family.
- Jennifer Argueta, 35, and her 10-year-old daughter, Sabrina Argueta, were passengers in the vehicle and were tragically killed in the crash.
- The child’s father, who was driving, sustained injuries but survived.
- A fourth victim, a passenger in Santoscruz’s vehicle, was also injured.
The collision caused immense heartbreak for the Argueta family, and the charges against Santoscruz reflect the gravity of the incident.
Potential Consequences: What Santoscruz Faces in Court
Santoscruz’s arraignment is scheduled for September 24, 2024, in Department 2 of the Alhambra Courthouse. Prosecutors have recommended that he be held on $4,255,000 bail, reflecting the severity of the charges and the loss of life involved.
If convicted on all counts, Santoscruz faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The combination of murder charges and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated underscores how seriously California courts treat DUI-related fatalities. His conviction could lead to life imprisonment, especially under the Watson rule, which increases liability for repeat offenders or those with prior knowledge of the risks of driving under the influence.
Watson Murder and DUI: The Legal Framework Behind the Charges
The charges against Santoscruz highlight the severe legal consequences of driving under the influence, particularly when the actions result in fatalities. Under California Penal Code § 187(a), murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought, meaning the defendant acted with reckless disregard for human life. When a DUI driver causes a death and has prior knowledge of the dangers of impaired driving, the prosecution can pursue second-degree murder charges under the Watson rule.
Additionally, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is charged under California Penal Code § 191.5(a) when a driver’s gross negligence while intoxicated leads to a fatality. This is more severe than ordinary vehicular manslaughter and reflects the high degree of recklessness involved.
Potential Defenses in DUI-Related Murder Cases
Murder charges involving DUI and Watson murders are complex, and several defenses may be applicable depending on the specifics of the case. These may include:
- Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense counsel may challenge the accuracy of the blood alcohol test, the reconstruction of the crash, or the sufficiency of evidence regarding the defendant’s intent or awareness of risk.
- Mental Health or Incapacity: The defense could argue that the defendant was suffering from a mental illness or impairment that affected their judgment and behavior at the time of the crash.
- Lack of Intent: Proving malice aforethought is crucial in a murder charge. The defense could argue that there was no premeditation or intent to harm, which might reduce the charge to manslaughter.
- Challenging Prior Knowledge: If the defendant has no prior DUI conviction or had not been previously warned about the dangers of impaired driving, this could weaken the prosecution’s Watson murder argument.
It is important to remember that an indictment or arrest is not a conviction. All defendants, including Diego Santoscruz, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense has the right to challenge the evidence at every stage.
Defending Against Serious DUI and Manslaughter Charges
DUI-related offenses, particularly those resulting in fatalities, are among the most serious charges in California. Convictions for murder or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated can lead to life imprisonment and have far-reaching consequences. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have over 20 years of experience providing dedicated defense for clients facing the most challenging criminal charges. Los Angeles Defense Attorney Arash Hashemi has successfully represented clients in complex criminal cases, including those involving DUI-related crimes.
If you or someone you know is facing serious criminal charges, contact our office immediately for skilled legal representation.
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