Driver in deadly Southland crash charged with murder

Ihor Demianenko allegedly had a blood alcohol level of more than three times the legal limit following the deadly crash

VAN NUYS, Calif. — A 61-year-old Valley Village man was charged today for killing three women and seriously injuring two others after allegedly driving drunk and speeding onto a sidewalk lined with street vendors near the North Hollywood Metro station earlier this week.

“Once again, an impaired driver has left a trail of carnage on our Los Angeles streets. The victims of this horrific crash included street vendors who were simply trying to earn a living when tragedy struck. My deepest sympathies are with the families of the three women who lost their lives, and I hope the two other victims who were seriously injured make a full recovery,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “No one should lose their life because someone chooses to drink and drive. We will vigorously prosecute this case and seek justice for the victims and their families.”

Ihor Demianenko is charged with three felony counts of murder and one felony count each of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher causing injury in case 26VWCF02111. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 16 in Department 305 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. He remains in custody with bail set at $6.13 million. If convicted as charged, Demianenko faces up to 54 years to life in state prison.

On Nov. 10, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Demianenko allegedly was speeding near the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards when he drove his minivan onto the sidewalk, striking several pedestrians near the North Hollywood Metro station entrance.

Francesca Krystine Esker, 39, Teodora De Jesus Villalobos, 57, and Maria Angelica Peck, 73, were killed at the scene. Two additional victims were taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Demianenko, who did not sustain serious injuries, allegedly had a blood alcohol concentration of more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ryan Gould of the DUI Training and Prosecution Section (DTAPS) and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

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