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Two pedestrians were killed and three others injured early Sunday morning when a suspected drunk driver slammed his speeding car into a group of people who had just stepped out of a parked vehicle on Colfax Avenue in North Hollywood. The crash occurred at approximately 2:25 a.m. on April 12, 2026, and the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Vidal Cruz Jr., was arrested at the scene and later booked on two counts of murder. He remains held in lieu of $4 million bail.
What Happened
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Cruz was driving a gray Acura northbound on Colfax Avenue, north of Calvert Street, when he struck a man in his 30s and a woman in her 50s who had just exited the driver side of a parked white Toyota Camry. The force of the collision sent both pedestrians traveling northbound before they struck the roadway. Cruz also struck the Camry, which still had three occupants inside. The Acura continued in a northeast direction before veering into a private driveway and colliding with several unoccupied parked vehicles. LAPD determined that Cruz was driving at an unsafe speed and under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Emergency Response and Investigation
LAPD officers responded to Colfax Avenue and found the male pedestrian — identified by the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner as 35-year-old Nefi Lopez Gutierrez — deceased at the scene from multiple blunt-force traumatic injuries. The female pedestrian was transported to a hospital, where she also died from her injuries. The three occupants remaining inside the Camry sustained minor injuries. Cruz was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked on suspicion of two counts of murder at the Van Nuys Jail. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8025, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Injuries and Community Impact
Two people were killed: Nefi Lopez Gutierrez, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a woman in her 50s died at a hospital. Three additional victims who were inside the Camry at the time of impact sustained minor injuries. Vidal Cruz Jr., 31, was booked on two counts of murder and is held at the Van Nuys Jail in lieu of $4 million bail. LAPD confirmed that both speed and alcohol were factors in the collision.
Understanding Legal Rights After a DUI Crash That Results in Death
When a driver is arrested on suspicion of DUI and charged with murder following a crash that kills pedestrians, the families of the victims have both criminal and civil legal pathways available to them. In California, a wrongful death claim can be filed independently of — and simultaneously with — any criminal proceedings against the driver. This means families do not have to wait for the outcome of the criminal case to begin pursuing civil accountability. Compensation may be sought for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help surviving family members navigate both processes and ensure that all liable parties are held fully accountable.
If your family has been affected by this crash or any serious DUI collision in the North Hollywood or San Fernando Valley area, our North Hollywood office is standing by to help you understand your rights and options. Contact us for a free consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee unless we win your case.
Nearest Office: North Hollywood, CA Phone: 714-714-7100
Source: MyNewsLA
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Crockett Law Group of any inaccuracies you identify. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
