Mother who was DUI before 2 children hit by car in Vista sentenced to prison (original) (raw)

A woman who prosecutors said drove drunk on a Vista freeway just before two of her children were fatally struck by another driver was sentenced Tuesday to three years and four months in state prison.

Sandra Ortiz, 34, was arrested following the deaths of her 10-year-old son, Alan, and her 16-year-old daughter, Amy, on June 18, 2023 — Father’s Day.

Police said that after a piece of luggage fell from their vehicle, Ortiz pulled the car over to the side of state Route 78.

The children then entered the freeway to retrieve it and were struck by an oncoming vehicle, police said. Ortiz and four of her other children were in the car when the crash happened.

Prosecutors alleged Ortiz had a blood-alcohol content of 0.14 percent two hours after the crash and also lacked a valid driver’s license at the time. It remains unclear what prompted the children to enter the freeway lanes.

She pleaded guilty in Vista Superior Court to child endangerment and DUI counts.

Originally Published: August 27, 2024 at 1:33 p.m.