Crime & Safety
Woman Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Winchester
Louisa Valdovinos, 55, of Menifee, was killed in the crash that occurred early Sunday on Winchester Road near Scott Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A head-on crash in Winchester that killed a 55-year- old woman was triggered by an alleged drunken driver, authorities said today.
Jason M. Richter, 30, of Oceanside lost control of his vehicle shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Officer Nathan Baer said Richter was southbound on state Route 79, near Scott Road, in his 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, with his wife in the front passenger seat, when the sedan drifted into northbound lanes.
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Louisa Valdovinos was going north on the highway in her 2003 Toyota Corolla, traveling about 55 mph, when Richter's vehicle struck hers, Baer said. The Menifee woman was killed on impact.
Richter and his wife suffered moderate to major injuries in the collision. Baer said. They were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment.
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Richter is believed to be a Camp Pendleton-based Marine, Baer said.
He said the CHP will be seeking felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter charges against the suspect.
