Vigil Held for 2 Young Girls Killed in Crash Involving Drunk Driver in Rialto

RIALTO, Calif., Nov. 30 (KNN) — A vigil was held by family members, friends and the community in Rialto Saturday evening for two toddlers who lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash involving a drunk driver on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

Multiple speakers at a podium in front of a large crowd that included law enforcement and the District Attorney, addressed the issue and frustration with drivers who operate vehicles while drunk.

Kelly and Eddie Montalvo, who spoke with KNN on camera in English and Spanish, have a personal connection in that their son, Benjamin, was killed in 2020. They attended the vigil to support the devasted family.

The collision that killed the two girls occurred shortly after 11 p.m. According to the Rialto Police Department, officers responded to a traffic collision at Riverside Avenue and Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, a total of three severely injured victims were discovered, all passengers in a white Honda driven by a 24-year-old female resident of Rialto.

Rialto Fire Department paramedics pronounced a 4-year-old and 3-year-old, both females, deceased at the scene. The adult male passenger was transported to a local trauma center in critical condition.

A speeding blue Dodge Ram ran a red light, broadsiding the Honda and causing it to hit a black Dodge Ram tow truck.

The driver of the blue Dodge fled the scene but was later apprehended and found to be under the influence of alcohol. His truck became disabled about one-quarter mile away. He has been arrested for the murder of the children, reported the Rialto PD.

Alex Gomez-Madrigal, Video Journalist / KNN