Woman killed in suspected DUI crash in Visalia identified, daughter-in-law facing charges

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Charged with vehicular manslaughter, 38-year-old Christina Torres is suspected of drinking and driving before crashing into a telephone pole in Visalia on Saturday night, according to the Visalia Police Department.

The crash claimed the life of her mother-in-law and passenger, 53-year-old Irene Rodriguez.

Police say that when officers arrived, they found Rodriguez unconscious lying in the roadway.

"Miss Rodriguez had been ejected during the collision, and she had not been wearing her seat belt. Officers immediately began life-saving measures, but unfortunately, she died at the scene," says Liz Jones, with the Visalia Police Department.

Police believe the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo had just left a family party.

Loved ones said they weren't ready to speak on camera Monday but shared that this is a very difficult time for them, especially with less than two weeks to go until Christmas and the New Year.

"This is a very, very, very sad tragedy. As we head into the holidays, we want to remind everybody that this is a time for celebration and not tragedy. We know if you're going out, you're going to go celebrate with a friend or with your family members. Just please have a plan to get home safely," expresses Jones.

The Visalia Police Department says they have investigated 151 DUI-related collisions so far this year, compared to 159 last year.

Officers encourage people to drive responsibly, use rideshare apps or call a friend.

The death of Rodriguez is a tragic reminder of the dangers on the road.

As the family mourns, they'll have to plan a funeral, while their other family member awaits her court date, all in the middle of the holiday season.

"It's just a sad situation. It's very tragic," mentions Jones.

The Tulare County District Attorney's office says Torres will be in court this week.

The Visalia Police Department says the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call the department.

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