Officer posted ‘#dontdrinkanddrive’ from bar just before killing family of 3 in crash

​In a tragic incident, former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer Edgar Omar Verduzco pleaded guilty to murder charges stemming from a fatal DUI crash that claimed the lives of a family of three. Notably, shortly before the accident, Verduzco had posted an anti-drunk-driving message on his Instagram account, featuring the hashtag #dontdrinkanddrive. ​

The crash occurred on September 26, 2017, around 10:15 p.m., on the southbound 605 Freeway in Whittier, California. Verduzco, who was off-duty at the time, was driving his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro at high speed when he rear-ended a 2014 Nissan carrying Maribel Davila, 52; her husband, Mario, 60; and their 19-year-old son, Oscar.

The impact caused the Nissan to collide with the center divider and catch fire, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants. Verduzco’s vehicle continued on to strike another car, injuring the driver and her 1-year-old child. ​

Investigations revealed that Verduzco had a blood-alcohol level of .23, nearly three times the legal limit. The irony of his pre-crash social media post underscored the tragic consequences of his actions. Following his guilty plea, Verduzco faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. ​

This case highlights the devastating impact of impaired driving and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to the very principles one advocates.