Driver Faces DUI Charge In Deaths
2 Children Left Orphaned In Mother's Day Crash
POSTED: 10:16 am MST May 12,
2008
UPDATED: 6:44 pm MST May 12,
2008
PHOENIX -- A motorist who hit a family of four Sunday night, killing both parents and sending the two children to the hospital, faces aggravated DUI, aggravated assault and second-degree murder charges, Phoenix police said.
Phoenix police said the family was traveling north on 40th Street around 9 p.m. when their Nissan Versa was struck by a Chevrolet Impala driven by Gabriel Burns heading east on Broadway Road.
VIDEO: Friends React To Couple's DeathThe entire family was transported to a local hospital, the parents in critical condition and the children in stable condition.
Police said the father, age 52, and the mother, 35, died at the hospital. They were identified as Josefina Garcia-DeGodinez and Refugio Godinez-Barreto.
The children, Gerardo Godinez, 10, and Jessica Godinez, 4, were released from the hospital Monday afternoon.
Burns was transported to a hospital in serious condition. He was expected to be OK.
The police department's Vehicular Crimes Unit is in the process of completing their investigation and have determined that alcohol and speed played a major part in this collision, said Phoenix police Detective Reuben Gonzales.
A fund has been set up to help the two children. You can contribute to the Godinez Family Fund at any Bank of America branch. The account number is: 457010499908.
ELSEWHERE ON KPHO.COM: The family of a wheelchair patient who was hit and killed by drivers of two SUVs urge any witnesses to contact Phoenix police. CLICK HERE for details.MORE SLIDESHOWS: From the bizarre to the tragic to late-breaking news, visit the KPHO.com slideshow section and click away! CLICK HERE for images. Copyright 2008 by KPHO.com. All rights reserved.
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