Teen Killed In Desert Hot Springs Car Wreck
DESERT HOT SPRINGS – Police believe the combination of speed and alcohol caused a deadly car wreck in Desert Hot Springs early Sunday morning.
Sixteenyear-old Maria Perez of Desert Hot Springs was killed when a FordMustangtraveling in excess of 80 miles an hour, hit a parked truck and flipped over in a dirt lot on Cuando Way.
Perez and her 18 year old sister who suffered serious neck injuries were among 4 passengers. Police say the driver, 20 year old Benjamin Anaya of Desert Hot Springs admitted to officers after the crash that he had been drinking.
At Desert Hot Springs High School where Maria Perez was a sophomore, the school offered grief counseling to students. But not everyone was up to it.
“I didn’t even bother. After you just find out someone you know is gone and they want to talk to you more about it. Forwhat? You know so they can bring out more pain that you already have, that you’re already going through. I don’t think so. I didn’t even bother,” said classmate Norma Talomino.
The driver who was hospitalized with serious injuries could face vehicular manslaughter charges. The other two passengers were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.
