NATIONAL CITY, CA, (March 29, 2026) – A Chula Vista couple, Ignacio Pedroza, 60, and Monica Pedroza, 53, were killed early Sunday in a suspected DUI crash in National City.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly before 1 a.m. as a Jeep Liberty and a Volkswagen EOS traveled from State Route 54 to southbound Interstate 5.
Authorities said the Volkswagen rear-ended the Jeep, forcing it off the roadway and into the Sweetwater River, where it became submerged. Emergency crews were able to remove Monica from the vehicle, but she was pronounced dead a short time later. Ignacio also died as a result of the crash.
The driver of the Volkswagen, who reportedly has multiple prior DUI arrests, faces one count of murder and two DUI charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
