Man sentenced to 30 years to life for DUI crash that killed 3 women

POMONA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after he pleaded no contest to three counts of murder for driving drunk and killing three women in Pomona.

The deadly crash happened in March 2024 at White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard as a group of five people were returning home from a baby shower. That's when Victor Siharath ran a red light and collided with their vehicle in the intersection.

Two others were injured in the crash, including a 12-year-old girl.

The women who loved ones say had their lives cut too short are Yesenia Ochoa Olaez, 33, Alejandra Olaez Gomez, 33, and 58-year-old Lorena Peru.

"I wanted her to see me grow up." An 11-year-old boy who was about to be adopted by his aunt is in mourning after she was killed by an alleged DUI driver in Pomona.

Siharath was charged with three counts of murder, along with a mountain of other charges which he pleaded no contest to.

As Siharath sat slumped in his chair during Thursday's hearing, family members of the victims delivered emotional impact statements before his sentence was handed down.

One family member reflected on the last time they saw their loved one.

"I never in a million years would've thought that would be the last time I hugged her - because of this man."

"Our family has lost the joy she brought to us. There are no words to describe the pain from waking up each day and knowing she will never walk through the door," another family member said.

After grief-stricken family members spoke in court, the judge sentenced Siharath to 30 years to life in prison.

"Hopefully 30 years will... he can realize the damage he caused to all the families," said Paulino Alvarez, brother-in-law to one of the victims.

The families of the victims and others whose lives have been destroyed by drunk drivers are pleading with the public to not drink and drive.