18-year-old unlicensed driver suspected in DUI crash that killed mother in Orange

An 18-year-old unlicensed driver has been arrested on suspicion of a violent drink-drive crash that killed a mother and her underage daughter in Orange on Sunday evening.

According to the Orange Police Department, the accident was reported near the intersection of Tustin Street and Collins Avenue around 8 p.m.

“An intoxicated male was driving a Chevy Equinox south on Tustin Street approaching a red light at Collins Avenue,” the OPD statement posted on Facebook said. “A Toyota RAV4 was traveling west on Collins Avenue and ran the green light at Tustin Street.”

There, the two Chevys crashed into the side of the Toyota, killing 40-year-old mother of three Maria Arroyo, who was sitting in the passenger seat. Her 13-year-old daughter, who was sitting behind her, was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Police also said two other people, another teenage passenger and the driver, an unidentified man, were taken to nearby hospitals in serious but stable condition.

The unlicensed drunk driver, now identified as 18-year-old Roberto Noe Monfil Xitlama, was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered serious, police said. A blood alcohol test showed he was more than twice the legal limit.

He was arrested for manslaughter while intoxicated.

No further information was provided.

On Tuesday, community members mourned Arroyo's death, including at La Reina markets, where she regularly shopped.

“It's sad because one day you see her coming here with the children, and another time she just dies because people are driving drunk on the street,” said Aurelio Sanchez, an employee at the market. “We are so sad for the family.”

Anyone who knows more is asked to contact OPED at (714) 744-7342.