Roberto Rodriguez, 20, was booked for DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Posted on 04/21/2014 8:31:52 AM PDT by Wolfie
Palmdale Girl, 16, Dies After Suspected DUI Driver Slams Into Her Home
A 16-year-old Palmdale girl died early Sunday after a suspected DUI driver slammed into the victim’s home, authorities said.
A deputy who was driving a patrol vehicle about 3:50 a.m. near the intersection 10th Street East and Avenue R (map) saw that an SUV had crashed into an apartment building in the 1000 block of East Avenue R, said Lt. Ken Wright of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Additional deputies responded and were alerted by residents that a female occupant had been sleeping inside the room into which the vehicle had become embedded.
The deputies “attempted to enter the building by pulling away a damaged wall but were unable to gain full access,” Wright said.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded to the location and entered the apartment, where they found a 16-year-old girl who had been fatally injured, according to authorities.
Relatives identified the victim as Giselle Mendoza, a sophomore at Palmdale High School. Initial reports had indicated that she was 17 years old.
The driver of the vehicle, a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder, was taken into custody after being detained by citizens at the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
A witness’ cellphone video showed a sheriff’s deputy leading a man away from the SUV and placing him in the back seat of a patrol vehicle.
Authorities later identified the driver as 20-year-old Roberto Rodriguez, of Palmdale. He was transported to a hospital and treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash.
After being released from the hospital, Rodriguez was taken to the sheriff’s Palmdale station and booked for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter, Wright said.
The suspect was release on $100,000 bail at 7:49 p.m. on Sunday, Wright said.
“I just want … all the people who drink and drive to stop doing it,” said Yadira Mendoza, the victim’s sister, choking back tears. “It’s just causing pain for families. They are losing their family members.”
Members of the sheriff’s Traffic Services Detail are overseeing the ongoing investigation.
How did 20 year old Roberto Rodriguez come up with $10000 to post bail?
Dreadful. RIP.
Illegal-alien-driving-drunk PING
I can’t believe they released him!!! 100k wouldn’t be hard to bond if you’re a drug dealer....would it?
Don't know for certain, of course. But thats my guess.
Had it been one of my children I would have been waiting for him.
Roberto Rodriguez, 20, was booked for DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Also wonder but bet he’s in Mexico by Tuesday.
Just celebrating Easter. At least no one was shot.
I have no real experience, but I thought they only had to put up 10% with a Bail Bondsman. He is just another one of the liberals "Kill The Dreamers", he certainly killed the dreams of one young girl and her family.
Bail??! BAIL!!!
I see a case of lead poisoning in his future...
A tragedy. Charge him with vehicular homicide.
For anyone who drinks and drives..... what makes you think you are so special?
Last question is this guy one of those ‘undocumented’ workers?
Anyone here think “Roberto” had car insurance that is REQUIRED BY LAW in California? Or that the car was properly registered with the tags up to date (and not stolen or bought in a local park for $20?
Or that he had a California Driver’s License?
You can be sure the media won’t tell us any of that — at least the media in California won’t report it — I’ll have to go to the British press for that!!
The car tax for my 10-year old Toyota just arrived and it’s over $100.
More info at link.
100,000 is 10,000 to bail bond!!!! You would be surprised how much
money illegals save!!!! They are the major customer base of B of A!!!
Video of driver saying, “I’m sorry”.
I will bet you he is an anchor baby!!! Parents have probably worked and
saved illegally in US for very long time!!!!
Bail??! BAIL!!!
I see a case of lead poisoning in his future...
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