Two Teens Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver

ABC Los Angeles reports that a candlelight vigil was held in Chatsworth on Sunday, December 26, 2021, to celebrate the lives and support the parents of two teen siblings killed by a drunk driver just one week before the Christmas holiday.

Authorities in Chatsworth say that the fatal crash happened when a vehicle being driven by a 16-year-old girl accompanied by her 14-year-old brother was rear-ended on Lawson Street near the intersection of Lawson and Oakdale. 

Police in Chatsworth said in a statement that investigators had determined a 20-year-old woman was allegedly intoxicated when she rammed her vehicle into the rear-end of the car with the two teens inside. 

By California law, the driver was not of legal drinking age at the time of the crash.

Both teens were rushed to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The 14-year-old boy died within hours of the crash. His sister clung to life until she was declared brain dead.  She was taken off life support on Christmas Day. 

The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested at the scene; since both teen victims died due to injuries they suffered in the crash, she is now facing two counts of murder. 

The teens’ parents and the tightly knit Indian community within the Fernando Valley have been devastated and shaken by the tragedy. 

Both teens attended North Hollywood High School and were described as talented, kind, and committed to helping everyone around them.

The attorneys and staff would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community for their loss at this difficult time.

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