The suspect's name and the victims in a horrific accident in Orange County that resulted in the death of a baby have been revealed.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a driver allegedly under the influence of drugs jumped a curb and hit a family of three who were walking on Sunday afternoon in a neighborhood near Mission Viejo.
On Monday, the California Highway Patrol identified the suspect as 54-year-old Daniel Patrick Lenihan from San Clemente. He was driving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and vehicular manslaughter.
The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. in the Antonio Parkway and Oaktree Lane area, south of Mission Viejo, according to the CHP.
Investigators say the Ohlwiler family was walking on the sidewalk with their son in a stroller when the Hyundai went off the road and ended up driving several hundred feet on the sidewalk along Antonio Parkway before hitting them.
The two adults were hospitalized with serious injuries, and their 11-month-old son died, less than a week before his first birthday. The adults have been identified as 34-year-old Kyle Ohlwiler and 31-year-old Hayley Ohlwiler from Rancho Santa Margarita.
Their son Madden was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Ohlwilers.
"You don't expect these things to happen, but unfortunately, when someone decides to take drugs and drive under the influence, it's not a good combination," said CHP Officer Brian Kinsey. "Bad things can happen."
Eyewitness News spoke with Jonathan Cherney on Monday, who lives in the area and specializes in accident reconstruction.
He was at the scene, analyzing the impressions left on the landscape and sidewalk.
Cherney believes Lenihan was speeding and that there was little the family could have done.
"I think the scariest thing is when you're with your family and walking in a safe place, nobody expects a car to drive through the sidewalk and hit you," he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Las Flores near Rancho Santa Margarita were stunned to hear about the tragedy that unfolded near their homes.
"I just did this walk with my son a week ago. It's just horrible," said Terra Pickett. "I know the pain of losing a child, and I just feel really bad for the family, and I just wanted to bring them something to know that they're not alone and that this community is here to help support them."
Lenihan is currently being held in Orange County jail.
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Ohlwilers.
Originally posted at Liga Legal® Abogados
