North Hollywood, CA – Authorities have identified the second pedestrian who was killed in a suspected DUI crash on Colfax Avenue early Sunday morning, and the driver involved has now been charged, according to officials.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified the woman as 50-year-old Azusena Gonzalez. The other pedestrian was identified as 35-year-old Nefi Lopez Gutierrez of El Monte and of North Hollywood.
The fatal collision occurred on Colfax Avenue at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Sunday.
According to investigators, a gray Acura driven by 31-year-old Vidal Cruz Jr. of Pacoima was traveling northbound on Colfax Avenue at an unsafe speed when it struck the two victims, who had just exited their parked vehicle and were standing on the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle also crashed into a white Toyota Camry occupied by three people before continuing northeast into a private driveway, where it collided with unoccupied parked vehicles and a residence.
Nefi Lopez Gutierrez died at the scene, while Azusena Gonzalez was transported to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Three occupants inside the Toyota Camry sustained injuries and were treated. No injuries were reported at the residence struck by the vehicle. Cruz was arrested and has been charged with murder.
Authorities stated that Cruz was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and at an unsafe speed at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews and law enforcement personnel responded to the scene to assist victims and secure the area.
The crash caused significant disruption along Colfax Avenue as investigators worked at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation.