Two Killed in Crash into Sweetwater River off State Route 54 in National City
Ignacio Pedroza, 60, of Chula Vista, and Monica Silvia Pedroza, 53, Killed
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 1, 2026) — A 61-year-old motorist was taken into custody Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence and murder after a crash on a state Route 54 connector ramp left two people dead, authorities said.
The collision occurred on March 29th just after 12:50 a.m. as a Jeep Liberty and a Volkswagen EOS were traveling westbound on Route 54 toward the southbound Interstate 5 connection, along the border of National City and Chula Vista.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the Volkswagen struck the rear of the Jeep under circumstances still being investigated. The impact forced the SUV off the roadway and into the Sweetwater River, where it became fully submerged.
First responders pulled Ignacio Pedroza, 60, of Chula Vista, and Monica Silvia Pedroza, 53, Killed from the Jeep, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Volkswagen driver, identified as Douglas Guyton, was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of DUI and murder. He was being held without bail and is expected to appear in court Thursday for arraignment.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
