Sheriff: Father, 2 kids killed by suspected drunk driver

TORRANCE COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A father and his two children were killed by a suspected drunk driver over the weekend. Meanwhile, the mom and her three other kids are still fighting for their lives.

Torrance County Deputies say 51-year-old Cesar Chavez was extremely drunk when he crossed the center line near Lexco and Martinez on Saturday night, hitting the family’s car head on.

The sheriff says the family of seven from Albuquerque was in Moriarty for prom. The dad, his 18-month old and 18-year-old were killed, while the mother and three other children were seriously injured.

According to the sheriff, Chavez was so drunk, he could hardly speak to deputies.

Deputies say so far, they’ve found two prior DWIs on Chavez’s record.

As for the family, the sheriff says they are from Mexico and they are still working to notify their family.