Jessica Munoz, Santa Rosa, California single mom who counseled juvenile offenders killed by repeat DUI driver, Nhan Van Nguyen.
A single mom from California died last week after a car driven by a repeat DUI offender caused a multi car crash killing the woman who also counseled juvenile offenders at a local correctional facility.
Jessica Avila Munoz, 31, was killed on Friday afternoon, 1.30 p.m, after Nhan Van Nguyen, 68, ran a red light in Santa Rosa, while intoxicated, plowing into two vehicles.
At the time of the tragedy, Munoz was en route to picking up her 13 year old daughter from school when her Honda was struck by a Dodge Dakota truck, the Santa Rosa Police Dept stated in a Facebook release.
Repeat DUI driver
Witnesses said Munoz was unconscious and trapped in the car after the crash. She died after being taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Michele Drake, the driver of a third vehicle, a Toyota Prius was unharmed, despite their vehicle crashing and crushing Munoz’s vehicle along with the Dodge truck.
Upon his arrest, Nguyen, who has a history of serial driving violations was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI and driving without a license.
At the time of the accident, Nguyen had his license suspended for no less than 4 previous DUI episodes, KTVU reported.
Stated her employer, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) in a release: “Jessica was a dedicated and caring single mother, who was known as full of life. She was proud to serve as a peace officer for the Sonoma County Probation Department in Juvenile Hall and excited to begin her career in Criminal Justice.”
Munoz was born and raised in Sonoma County before she attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. She was a first generation college graduate, according to PORAC.
Munoz had started working at Juvenile Hall, 10 months ago, PORAC stated.
PORAC is raising funds to help cover Munoz’s funeral costs and to support her family as they move forward.
A Gofundme has also been set up to help defray funeral expenses.
Nguyen is currently being held in Sonoma County Jail on no bail status according to arrest records.
