Vidal Cruz

Suspected drunk driver from Pacoima charged with two counts of murder in connection with a crash that killed two pedestrians in North Hollywood.

Vidal Cruz Jr. is accused of speeding on Colfax Avenue while under the influence of alcohol. At around 2:25 a.m. on April 12, he hit a man and woman who had just exited their parked vehicle and were standing on the shoulder of a road.

Nefi Lopez Gutierrez, 35, of El Monte died at the scene. Azusena Gonzalez, 50, of North Hollywood was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries.

After hitting the two pedestrians, Cruz kept going — careening down the street before smashing into several parked vehicles and a house.

He was arrested at Colfax Avenue and Calvert Street. Bail was set at 4 million dollars for two murders.

If convicted as charged, Cruz faces up to life in state prison.