Temecula, California - Teen Girl Killed, 2 Others Seriously Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Rancho California Road

19-Year-Old Charged with DUI, Manslaughter Following Fatal Crash

Last Update: 7/13/2020

A 15-year-old girl was killed and two others were seriously injured in a suspected drunk driving crash in Temecula on Saturday. 19-year-old Jose Zazueta was arrested on charges of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter following the crash.

The crash happened at approximately 6:45 p.m. on June 1, on Rancho California Road east of Via Santa Rosa. Zazuete was reportedly driving a 2015 BMW westbound on Rancho California when he lost control of his vehicle while going around a curve.

Police say the BMW was traveling at least 55 mph when it crossed over the middle lines and into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on collision with a Toyota Corolla. A 15-year-old passenger in the Toyota, Lily Harrison, was killed in the crash. The 18-year-old driver of the Toyota and an 18-year-old passenger were also seriously injured and hospitalized.

Zazueta’s vehicle fell down a 200-feet embankment after the crash. He suffered moderate injuries and was also rushed to a hospital. His bail was set at $75,000 and he had a court date scheduled for June 5.

Justice For Drunk Driving Crash Victims & Their Families in California

Jason Amala, an experienced drunk driving crash lawyer, has previously represented victims of these completely avoidable automotive accidents. In the section below, he shares some insight regarding the legal options at the disposal of victims of drunk driving accidents and their families in California.

“When a drunk driver causes a crash that results in injuries or deaths, it’s important for the victims and their families to be aware of their legal rights. These victims and families may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. But in some situations,  third parties like alcohol vendors and social hosts can also be sued for serving alcohol to the driver prior to the crash. These are known as third-party liability or dram shop laws, and while they are a bit more strict in our state, they can still serve as a legal path to justice against those whose negligence partially or fully led to the tragic accident.”

Sources

https://ktla.com/2019/06/03/15-year-old-girl-killed-in-head-on-suspected-dui-crash-in-temecula-19-year-old-driver-arrested-chp/

https://www.pe.com/murrieta-teen-killed-in-temecula-crash-remembered-as-talented-singer-devout-christian