Family Demands Justice After Grandmother is Killed by a Drunk Driver in Orange County

A New Year’s celebration turned into a tragedy for one Orange County family when 66-year-old Ynes Laguna-Soto was struck and killed by a drunk driver while heading home from church. Now, her grieving loved ones are demanding justice, saying that an arrest alone isn’t enough—they want real accountability to prevent another senseless loss.

The deadly crash happened around 1:40 a.m. at the intersection of Marguerite Parkway and Pueblonuevo Drive, a place where families should feel safe on the road, as it is lightly surrounded by businesses such as the local YMCA, a small Donut shop and a Little Caesars Pizza. Instead, it became the scene of devastation when two sedans collided head-on, leaving Soto with severe injuries. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she didn’t survive. Her sudden passing has left her family heartbroken, struggling to come to terms with how one reckless decision shattered their lives.

“She Was an Angel to So Many”

“My grandma was like an angel for other people,” said Xiamena Granados, Soto’s granddaughter. “She could have hurt other people too.”

It’s a tragic reality—drunk driving doesn’t just destroy one life; it puts everyone on the road at risk. In this case, the woman behind the wheel, 26-year-old Geraldine Caicedo-Perez, was also injured in the crash but survived. She was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked for gross vehicular manslaughter.

Soto’s family fears the legal system won’t go far enough. They want to ensure Caicedo-Perez is held accountable and doesn’t have the opportunity to harm another family the way she did theirs.

“There’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel while drunk,” said Soto’s grandson, Emmanuel Heredia. “It was a selfish decision. She could have called a rideshare, asked a friend, done anything other than drive that night.”

The Changing Landscape of DUI Laws in California

Drunk driving has long been a problem in California, but the legal consequences haven’t always reflected the severity of the crime. Over the years, lawmakers have toughened DUI penalties, particularly for repeat offenders. Stricter laws, like ignition interlock requirements and increased felony charges for those who kill while driving under the influence, aim to deter reckless behavior.

Despite these measures, DUI-related fatalities still occur far too often. In fact, California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of DUI-related deaths. While public awareness campaigns have helped reduce some of the dangers, the tragic reality is that some drivers still choose to take the risk—putting lives like Ynes Laguna-Soto’s in jeopardy.

Why This Story Matters to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

This case is a stark reminder of how dangerous impaired drivers are to everyone on the road, but particularly to vulnerable travelers like motorcyclists. A  Mission Viejo motorcycle accident attorney often sees firsthand how devastating DUI crashes can be. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection in an accident, making them far more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries when hit by an impaired driver.

Motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers frequently result in life-changing consequences, including brain injuries, spinal damage, and permanent disabilities. Victims and their families often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. That’s why legal action is crucial—not just to seek justice but to send a clear message that reckless driving won’t be tolerated.

For families like Soto’s, legal proceedings aren’t just about punishing the offender; they’re about preventing future tragedies. Whether it’s a pedestrian, a motorcyclist, or another driver, every person on the road deserves to be safe.

Remembering Ynes Laguna-Soto

As her family mourns, they hold onto the legacy she left behind—a life dedicated to kindness and faith.

“She was always sharing the gospel, going around the whole community and spreading hope to people in difficult places,” Granados recalled. “She helped so many and touched so many hearts.”

Her family’s grief is immeasurable, but their determination to seek justice is unwavering. They hope that by speaking out, they can make sure no other family endures the same heartbreak.

Tragedies like this serve as painful reminders of why stricter DUI enforcement and legal action matter. One person’s reckless choice can change lives in an instant—but through justice and advocacy, families like Soto’s can work toward a future where such losses become far less common.