News Releases

Ryan Mota faces 13 years, eight months in state prison if convicted as charged

DOWNEY, Calif. – A 24-year-old man has been charged with DUI gross vehicular manslaughter for crashing into a Downey home in the middle of the night, killing a 73-year-old grandmother and injuring her 24-year-old granddaughter as they were sleeping.

“There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who experienced an unimaginable waking nightmare. For anyone thinking about driving drunk, be warned: Prosecutors will hold you fully accountable for the harm and suffering you cause.”

Ryan Mota (dob 12/19/00) of Maywood was charged in case 25DWCF01185 with one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and one felony count of driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration or more causing injury.

It is further alleged that he inflicted great bodily injury upon the victims; caused bodily injury and death to more than one victim; had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or more; and refused to take a chemical test.

On Aug. 16, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the defendant allegedly drove through a home in the 9500 block of Gallatin Road and into the bedrooms of the victims, 73-year-old Agia Guirguis and her 24-year-old granddaughter. Guirguis was pronounced dead at the scene. The 24-year-old victim was hospitalized for her injuries. Other members of the family were also in the home and were awakened by the impact. They were uninjured.

The complaint was filed for warrant on Sept. 5. Bail was set at $200,000.

If convicted as charged, Mota faces a maximum sentence of 13 years and eight months in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Downey Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Downey Police Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.