DUI Suspect Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge in Lemon Grove Crash That Killed Tonia Silva
LEMON GROVE, CA, (June 29, 2025) - A La Mesa woman was tragically killed in a suspected drunk driving crash involving two vehicles on June 29 in Lemon Grove, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
Tonia Silva, a La Mesa resident, was tragically killed Sunday evening in a suspected DUI crash in Lemon Grove, according to the sheriff's office.
The fatal collision occurred around 7:56 p.m. in the 8400 block of Broadway. Authorities say a 28-year-old man was driving a blue Chevrolet Silverado westbound in the eastbound lanes when he slammed into a white Ford Explorer carrying three people.
One of the SUV occupants, 42-year-old Tonia Silva, suffered multiple blunt force injuries and was later pronounced dead. The two other passengers in the Explorer were hospitalized with injuries. The pickup driver was also injured.
Investigators reported finding two open alcoholic containers in the suspect’s vehicle. He now faces multiple charges, including one count of vehicular homicide.
The crash remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in the U.S.—and every one of them is preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 12,429 people were killed in 2023 in crashes involving drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) over the legal limit.
The June 29 crash in Lemon Grove that claimed the life of Tonia Silva underscores this ongoing crisis. Authorities say the 28-year-old driver of a pickup truck was traveling the wrong way when he collided with an SUV, killing Silva and injuring others. Open containers of alcohol were reportedly found in the truck, and the driver now faces a vehicular homicide charge.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst, stressed the importance of a thorough investigation.
“An independent investigation will help uncover all contributing factors, including official BAC test results,” said Bond. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims and their families during this difficult time—protecting their rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Legal experts note that such investigations often involve examining the crash site, vehicle damage, toxicology reports, and any available surveillance footage to build a clear picture of liability.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Tonia Silva may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can provide compensation for funeral and medical expenses, loss of love and companionship, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“When a person’s death results from a negligent or reckless act—such as driving under the influence—it may constitute wrongful death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “In these cases, families have the legal right to seek accountability through a civil lawsuit.”
Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate, added that families often face immense emotional and financial challenges following such tragedies. “An attorney can help protect their rights, ensure they are treated fairly, and pursue the compensation they deserve while they focus on healing.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).