Victims’ family responds after SUV crashes through home

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Two women are dead in Fresno after an SUV crashed into their home Wednesday night.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says they were chasing 18-year-old Adam Canales in Central Fresno when he lost control and drove into the sisters’ bedroom.

“This tragedy was a result of the actions and the choices that Adam Canales made,” Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said.

They say deputies responded to an argument between two gangs at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday.

When they arrived, they say Canales got in a white SUV and fled.

Officers had only chased him down Nevada Avenue for 27 seconds when he crossed Cedar Avenue, barreling through the victims’ home.

The sheriff’s office says he killed 18-year-old Eliza Yang and 26-year-old Mang Yang.

They say he ran away from the scene, but was caught and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two hit and run counts, driving under the influence and driving without insurance.

“The fact that, you know, he crashed into this house and then he runs from the scene to try to get away really, I think, speaks to Mr. Canales and what kind of person he is,” Zanoni said.

The home is wrecked, and many family members feel wrecked as well.

“I have never seen this thing happen in my life. This is my first time to see this,” Mang and Eliza’s uncle Ronald Yang said.

Canales was arrested unharmed, but Mang and Eliza will only live on in memory.

Nine people shared the home, and now those who survived are trying to figure out where to go.

“Right now, the house is not livable because everything is turned off and everything locked up, so we are still waiting for some help,” Yang said.

Some help was on the way, though.

Neighbors stepped up to comfort the family and help them determine next steps.

They also established a GoFundMe page on the family’s behalf.

“This thing made everybody brokenhearted. And we’re going to miss our nieces forever. Never forgetting this thing happened,” Yang said.

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