Three Las Vegas teens killed, another injured by suspected California DUI driver
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KSNV & KNBC) — Three Las Vegas teens are dead and a fourth is in the hospital after their car was rear-ended early Thursday, by a woman suspected of driving under the influence.
Two men and a woman were killed in the crash, which happened at 1:10 a.m. on the Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Huntington Beach (Calif.) Police Department.
"The car fire burned them beyond recognition," said Orange County coroner supervisor deputy Daniel Aikin.
Officers arrested Bani Duarte, 27, of San Clemente. She faces charges of suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, police said.
Huntington Beach police responded at 1:08 a.m. to a report of a crash involving two vehicles. A Toyota was on fire in the intersection when officers arrived, Officer Angela Bennett said.
Bennett said a Hyundai Sonata traveling north on Pacific Coast Highway struck the Toyota, which was stopped at a red light at the intersection with Magnolia.
The three died that died at the scene attended Centennial High School in North Las Vegas and have been identified as Brooke Hawley, Dylan Mack, AJ Rossie.
A male passenger who was able to get out of the vehicle was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries, police said. That teen has been identified as Alexis Vargas.
The fiery crash temporarily closed part of Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, authorities said.
News 3 talked to AJ's sister and father. They told us they lost AJ's mom when he was only 7-years-old and never thought they would have to bury their baby.
"Won’t be able to walk across the stage to get his diploma. He won’t be able to go to enroll in college tomorrow like we planned," said AJ's sister, Allie.
The mother of Alexis Vargas tells us, they are on their way back to Las Vegas. Alexis's hands are burned and he suffered a concussion in the crash.
The teens were expected home today. Now, they're families are planning memorials.
One memorial is scheduled Friday evening at Knickerbocker Park.
