A tragic incident in Downey has led to a 24-year-old being charged with DUI gross vehicular manslaughter after his vehicle plowed into a residence, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and injuries to her granddaughter. In a statement made by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, LA County DA Nathan J. Hochman expressed his condolences and reaffirmed the condemnation of driving under the influence, stating, "There is no excuse for driving under the influence."
Ryan Mota, the accused, faces a possible maximum sentence of 13 years and eight months in the state prison if convicted on all counts. The charges include one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, and driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration or more causing injury. The incident, as described by the District Attorney's Office, occurred on Aug. 16 around 2:30 a.m. when Mota's vehicle crashed into a home on Gallatin Road, where Agia Guirguis, aged 73, and her 24-year-old granddaughter were asleep, as detailed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Guirguis did not survive the crash and was declared dead at the scene, while her granddaughter was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. The District Attorney's Office stated that the family, which included other members who were in the house at the time, was left unharmed but deeply shaken by the unforeseen devastation wrought that night. According to filings, enhancements to the charges against Mota include allegations of inflicting great bodily injury, causing injury and death to more than one victim, having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or more, and refusing a chemical test.
Ryan Mota was offered bail set at $200,000, with the complaint being filed last Friday. The Downey Branch Office is prosecuting the case, which remains under investigation by the Downey Police Department. All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
