Police Will Seek Murder Charge in Fatal Crash

Fullerton police will seek a murder charge against a drunk driving suspect who allegedly evaded police and struck another car, killing a 31-year-old mother and injuring five children, a police spokesman said Thursday.

Monica Josephine Mendoza, 21, of Anaheim was arrested by police from Fullerton and Anaheim after a brief chase Tuesday night that ended when her car ran a red light in Fullerton and struck a car carrying eight people.

One passenger, Sheri Mattingly of Fullerton, died of her injuries. Her daughter, Melissa, 8, was also injured.

Fullerton collision investigator Wayne Dale said Anaheim and Fullerton police today will ask the Orange County district attorney’s office to file homicide and other charges against Mendoza involving reckless driving and evading police.

Blood Sample Taken

“Our focus will be to seek a murder charge and other charges against Mendoza when we meet with the district attorney. One of those charges does include driving while under the influence,” Dale said.

Although Mendoza was hospitalized, Dale said, police took a blood sample from her to see if her blood-alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. A police laboratory may have the results by Monday, he said.

Police tried to interview Mendoza at the hospital Wednesday, but she invoked her right not to answer, Dale said.

Authorities say the police chase began at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday when an Anaheim police officer saw Mendoza in a Camaro speeding out of a service station at Brookhurst Street and Ball Road.

Another cruiser and a helicopter aided in the chase after the driver failed to stop, police said. During the chase, speeds reached 80 m.p.h.

The injured children, all in Mattingly’s car, were Erica Allison, 4, of Fullerton; Raleigh Thomas, 8, of Fullerton; Ramiah Thomas, 10; and Rahea Thomas, 12, in addition to Melissa Mattingly. They were in stable to good condition at four area hospitals.