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Unlicensed 18-year-old driver suspected in DUI crash that killed mother, daughter in Orange

An unlicensed 18-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of a violent DUI crash that left a mother and her juvenile daughter dead in Orange on Sunday evening. 
The crash was reported at around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Tustin Street and Collins Avenue, according to the Orange Police Department. 
“An intoxicated man was driving a Chevy Equinox south on Tustin Street approaching a red light at Collins Avenue,” said the OPD statement posted on Facebook. “A Toyota RAV4 was traveling west on Collins Avenue through the green light at Tustin Street.”
It was there that the two Chevy slammed into the side of the Toyota, killing 40-year-old mother of three Maria Arroyo, who was in the front passenger seat. Her 13-year-old daughter, who was sitting behind her, was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. 
Police also say that two others, another juvenile passenger and the driver, an unidentified man, were taken to nearby hospitals in serious but stable condition.
The unlicensed drunk driver, since identified as 18-year-old Roberto Noe Monfil Xitlama, was hospitalized with injuries not considered to be serious police said. A blood alcohol test found that he was more than double the legal limit. 
He was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. 
No other information was provided.
On Tuesday, community members mourned Arroyo’s death, including those at the La Reina Markets, where she was a regular shopper. 
“It’s sad, because one day you see her come here with the kids, and another day she just pass away because people on the street driving drunk,” said Aurelio Sanchez, an employee at the market. “We feel so sad about the family.”
Anyone who may know more is asked to contact OPED at (714) 744-7342.

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