Chula Vista Family Mourns Parents Killed in Suspected DUI Crash

Mónica and Ignacio Pedroza were just minutes from home when their car was struck from behind, pushing it into the Sweetwater River.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a damaged car sensor or tail light, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic drunk driving incident.The aftermath of a suspected DUI crash that claimed the lives of a beloved Chula Vista couple exposes the urgent need for reform to address repeat drunk driving offenders.San Diego Today

A Chula Vista family is seeking justice after a suspected DUI driver with multiple prior convictions is accused of killing a married couple, Mónica and Ignacio Pedroza, in National City. The couple's daughters say their parents were just seven minutes from home when the crash occurred, and that the driver, 61-year-old Douglas Guyton, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on families. The Pedroza daughters are advocating for justice, as Guyton's charges were escalated to murder due to his history of prior DUI convictions, raising questions about repeat offenders and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties.

The details

According to court documents, Guyton struck the Pedroza's car from behind, pushing it into the Sweetwater River where both Mónica, 53, and Ignacio, 60, died. The couple's daughters, Elizabeth Meza and Ariel Paddlety, are mourning the loss of their parents, who had been married for 36 years and were known for their strong bond and dedication to their community.

  • The crash occurred on April 8, 2026, just seven minutes from the Pedroza family's home in Chula Vista.
  • Mónica and Ignacio Pedroza were weeks away from celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary on April 17th.

The players

Mónica Pedroza

A 53-year-old grocery store manager known as the heart of the Pedroza family.

Ignacio Pedroza

A 60-year-old dedicated carpenter who quietly volunteered in recovery efforts during the 2024 floods without telling his family.

Douglas Guyton

A 61-year-old driver charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as this was his fourth DUI offense in the past 14 years.

Elizabeth Meza

The Pedroza couple's daughter who is seeking justice for her parents' deaths.

Ariel Paddlety

The Pedroza couple's other daughter who is advocating for justice.

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What they’re saying

“I was mad. There are so many other options other than drinking and driving.”

— Elizabeth Meza, Pedroza's daughter

“He shouldn't have been on the streets in the first place.”

— Ariel Paddlety, Pedroza's daughter

“It's something that I just didn't want to process at first. It was devastating. I feel like I lost a piece of my heart. I lost my rock — my mom.”

— Elizabeth Meza, Pedroza's daughter

“In love I was created, and in love I hope to die, because with my parents, they were inseparable. They loved each other. They were there through thick and thin, through hard times, easy times — they were always there for each other.”

— Elizabeth Meza, Pedroza's daughter

What’s next

The family has set up an online fundraiser and is planning an event on April 16 to help cover funeral expenses for Mónica and Ignacio Pedroza.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to address repeat drunk driving offenders and protect innocent lives on the road. The Pedroza family's heartbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of advocating for justice and meaningful reform.