A 20-year-old Glendale man is facing DUI charges in connection with a crash in Winnetka that killed two brothers who were passengers in his vehicle, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
Pablo Roman Trujillo Carrasco pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a felony count 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 — who is due back in a San Fernando courtroom Nov. 27 — could face up to 11 years in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
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.”
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