Salinas, CA (June 20, 2024)
A tragic story continues to unfold in Salinas. A 16-year-old woman drove under the influence of alcohol, and ultimately caused a collision that killed one and seriously injured another.
On May 27, a server at the Hacienda Grill provided alcohol to the minor. The teenager, after having an unknown amount of drinks, then got in a silver BMW and drove away. Eventually, she crashed head-on into a white Dodge.
The impact killed a woman in the Dodge, who authorities have identified as Maria Viurquez-Benavidez. The 33-year-old from Salinas was a passenger. The driver of the car, a 44-year-old, was critically injured in the collision. Their condition is currently unknown.
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Police say that the teenager’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit for an adult. In California, it’s illegal for those over 21 to drive if they have a BAC of 0.08% or higher. The limit is 0.01% or higher if you are under 21. It is unclear if she was double the 21+ limit, or the under-21 limit.
The Hacienda Grill’s liquor license is in the process of being revoked.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Maria Viurquez-Benavidez. We know this is an extraordinarily difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any questions about navigating the legal process surrounding this situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime. We are here day and night, ready to ease the burden of this overwhelming and terrible event.
