Teen DUI suspect kills church-going couple in a violent Santa Clarita collision

A teenage DUI suspect struck and killed a married couple as they drove home from church in Santa Clarita last week in a violent collision that devastated the victims’ family.

Genry and Patty Ortiz died and their daughter suffered “life-altering” injuries in the wreck at the corner Newhall Ranch and Bouquet Canyon roads Friday around 11:15 p.m., according to family and ABC 7.

The family was driving home from church services when they were struck by the unidentified 17-year-old, who’s being held Tuesday at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department charged the driver with suspicion of felony DUI and manslaughter in connection with crash after giving him a breathalyzer test.

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The daughter, Erin, “sustained severe and life-altering injuries” that “require extensive medical care,” according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by family friends to cover medical and funeral expenses

They described Genry and Patty as “hardworking, loving people who devoted their lives to their family, their faith, and their community.”

“They were deeply involved in their church and were always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need,” a note on the page read. “Their kindness, strength, and unwavering faith touched so many lives, and the world is darker without their bright lights in it.”

Erin’s brother, David, said she can’t move “her whole body” as she recovers from the crash.

”She’s definitely in some pain. Her wrist is very hurt. I mean, really, her whole body, she can’t really move,” he told ABC 7.

“As believers in Christ, we don’t really understand a lot of things that happen, but we trust that God does it for a reason, and he’s going to take care of us and help us to just overcome whatever comes our way,” he added.

“I’m just trying to navigate emotions and make sure my sister’s OK.”