Glendale driver was intoxicated in crash that killed 2 brothers, prosecutors charge
SAN FERNANDO — A 20-year-old Glendale man who was allegedly under the influence when he crashed his car in Winnetka, killing two brothers who were passengers in his vehicle, is facing a felony charge that could send him to prison for as many as 11 years if he’s convicted, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced today.
Pablo Roman Trujillo Carrasco of Glendale pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which includes an allegation of causing death to more than one victim.
His passengers, Cesar Perez, 19, and Louis Perez, 16, of Canoga Park, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 1 a.m. Sunday near the corner of Parthenia Street and Sunny Brae Avenue.
The defendant is due back in a San Fernando courtroom Nov. 27 to get a preliminary hearing date.
Friends of the brothers brought flowers and candles to the crash site, creating a sidewalk memorial to the pair. According to a GoFundMe page created to help their family, Cesar Perez was helping his mother raise his six siblings and paid most of the family’s expenses.
The Perez brothers attended Canoga Park High School, and grief counselors were on the campus Monday to offer support to their fellow students.
Both brothers were involved with the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley.
Tim Blaylock, the club’s president/CEO, posted a photo of the brothers on Facebook.
“My sincere condolences to the family of these Canoga Park High School kids,” Blaylock wrote. “Prayers and positive thoughts for their family, my staff and volunteers that worked with them. As well as all the other kids that knew them. God bless. Please help if you can.”