3 Teens Killed In Fiery Murrieta Freeway Crash: Details Released

MURRIETA, CA — The identities of a girl and boy killed Monday in a fiery Murrieta freeway crash were released by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau. The identity of a female juvenile who also died in the inferno was still pending.

The California Highway Patrol also released information about the solo-vehicle crash that was allegedly caused by a 21-year-old El Cajon woman suspected of driving under the influence.

Aniyah Edwards, 17, of Menifee, and Angel Chavez, 15, of Hemet, both died after being ejected in the crash that was reported at about 4 a.m. on the southbound I-215 connector to southbound Interstate 15 in Winchester, according to information from the coroner and the CHP. The teens were not wearing seatbelts and died at the scene, the CHP reported.

A 15-year-old El Cajon girl, who was wearing a seat belt and was not ejected, died inside the fiery wreckage, according to the CHP. Her identity was not released pending confirmation from forensics experts.

Alexia Rodriguez, 21, allegedly caused the deadly wreck, according to the CHP.

CHP Officer Mike Lassig reported that the El Cajon woman was at the wheel of a 2008 Dodge Charger traveling at an unknown speed in moderate rain when she "lost control ... causing the Dodge to travel off of the west roadway edge.

"The Dodge collided with a metal pole (and) became engulfed in flames," Lassig reported.

Rodriguez managed to extricate herself from the wreckage before the fire spread throughout the car, according to Lassig. She suffered serious burns and was initially taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment, but later airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Burn Center for acute care.

The CHP spokesman alleged that she was confirmed to be inebriated, and the agency will seek multiple charges of felony gross vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI against her.

The suspect was technically under arrest and in custody, even though she is hospitalized.

The fire was quickly knocked down by Murrieta Fire & Rescue personnel.