Repeat DUI Offender Convicted of Murder, Felony DUI Charges

DATE: September 8, 2026

CASE: Owen Cruz (Case #24FE019656)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Jordan Avey, Major Crimes Unit

On September 4, 2026, Owen Cruz was convicted by a jury of murder, felony driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs with injury, felony driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs with a .08% BA or above, felony hit and run causing death or permanent serious injury, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs with a .08% BA or above. The jury also found true great bodily injury and multi victim enhancements.

On November 8, 2024, Owen Cruz hit a center divider on Douglas Road and crossed into oncoming traffic. Cruz hit another vehicle head-on, killing the female driver on impact. The victim's two children were in the back seat and suffered great bodily injury. Her husband was sitting in the front passenger seat and suffered injuries. Cruz ran from the scene and hid at a construction site for several hours before police located and arrested him. The investigation revealed that Cruz had been drinking heavily at a nearby restaurant prior to the collision and his blood alcohol content was a .18% at the time of the collision. Cruz had a prior DUI conviction from 2019 and was arrested for another DUI six weeks before the fatal crash.

An allegation that Cruz has a prior strike conviction for robbery will be determined at the sentencing hearing.

Cruz faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for October 30, 2026, at 9 AM in Department 13A before the Honorable James Arguelles.