Manslaughter charges urged in 3 deaths
By Carol Rock, Staff Writer
Manslaughter charges urged in 3 deaths
By Carol Rock, Staff Writer
LA Daily News
SANTA CLARITA - The California Highway Patrol is seeking manslaughter charges against a Santa Clarita woman investigators believe caused a fiery crash this week that killed three family members on a Sylmar freeway.
Devyn Oddone, 24, was traveling 70 mph to 80 mph in a Dodge pickup when she hit the Nguyen family's Honda Civic as her vehicle abruptly switched lanes. The car burst into flames on impact, CHP Officer Wendy Hahn said.
"In California, drivers should travel at a safe speed so they can avoid any and all conflicts," Hahn said. "According to witnesses, she was traveling at a speed where she couldn't avoid hitting the car."
The CHP will recommend early next week that the District Attorney's Office charge Oddone with three counts of manslaughter.
Killed in Tuesday's crash were Sunny Nguyen 49, of Canoga Park, his daughter Rachel Nguyen, 26, of Los Angeles and his sister, Thoa Mai, 53, whose hometown was not released. The three were heading home from Palmdale, where they had been making funeral arrangements for Nguyen's father, who died of a heart attack last weekend.
Sunny Nguyen was driving south on the Golden State Freeway when he mistakenly drove onto the on-ramp to the eastbound Foothill Freeway. Realizing his error, he cut across the transition lane and emerged from the gore point back into the southbound traffic, Hahn said.
The Honda veered into the path of a Ford Thunderbird driven by Alejandro Del Hoyo Villagrand, 25, of San Pedro, Hahn said.
"He felt the impact of the Honda on the right side of his car, and he spun out," Hahn said, noting that Villagrand fled after attempting to render aid, but came to the CHP office Friday and talked to officers. "He said he saw the woman in the back seat looking at him when it was rear-ended by a Dodge pickup truck."
Villagrand fled by getting a ride from another motorist, Hahn said. He contacted an attorney, who called the CHP and encouraged his client to talk to the officers. Villagrand was cited for leaving the scene of an accident.
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