LOS ANGELES, CA – A car accident claimed the lives of a mother and son in Los Angeles on Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the city’s Westlake area where Alicia Bautista, 64, and her son, Elio Bautista, 33, were struck by a suspected drunk driver while buying Thanksgiving groceries.
The tragedy unfolded around 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Burlington Avenue, according to Los Angeles Police Department reports. Authorities said the suspect, 31-year-old Isaiah Villegas, was driving a 2008 Cadillac CTS “at a high rate of speed” on Wilshire Boulevard. The vehicle lost control and collided with a light pole before moving on to hit the two pedestrians waiting by the corner.
Initially, Elio Bautista perished at the scene, while Alicia Bautista was transported to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. Villegas attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by police nearby.
Through preliminary investigations, police discovered that Villegas displayed evident signs of alcohol influence, linking the incident to drunk driving. Additionally, the high speed at which he was driving was considered to be a contributing factor in the accident.
Subsequently, Villegas was taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, with bail set at $110,000. Authorities are appealing for more information regarding the incident.
A makeshift memorial has been set up at the accident site as tearful family members and friends gather to grieve the loss of Alicia and Elio Bautista. A GoFundMe account has also been established to assist the grieving family.