BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The case continues against Jose De Jesus Velazquez-Gomez, charged with three counts of second degree murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Velazquez-Gomez allegedly crashed his Jeep into an SUV where Gabina Santiago De Arias, Darli Santiago, and Yolanda Godinez were traveling to work last November.

Their families are waiting for justice.

“It’s hard to move on every day like nothing happened, but it’s something we have to live with, and learn how to live with it,” said Elias Mateo, son-in-law of Gabina Santiago de Arias.

Velazquez-Gomez is being accused of driving under the influence of methamphetamine and smelled like alcohol at the time of the crash according to CHP. Velazquez Gomez’s attorneys say he fell asleep.

“If you’re also tired, man, pull over, take a nap, call a friend, I don’t know,” said Elias Mateo. “Ask for help, don’t just drive because we no longer have our mother, our cousin, his sister.”

Families hope this case teaches a bigger lesson to Kern County drivers.

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“I think it should be a case that should be remembered in this area. I think people, everybody drinks,” said Elias Mateo. “Driving under the influence, by any means, whether it is alcohol or it’s a drug, it should be taken it into more consideration when you go out. Be more responsible, definitely.”

In 2023, CHP Bakersfield arrested 40 drivers for driving under the influence of drugs. This was the only one that ended in fatalities.

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