In a recent, tragic case, a teenage girl who should have been safe inside her home, was killed when a car plowed through her bedroom.

In a recent, tragic case, a teenage girl who should have been safe inside her home, was killed when a car plowed through her bedroom.

At this point, investigators suspect the driver responsible was under the influence of alcohol. The 16-year-old victim, identified as Giselle Mendoza, who was a sophomore at Palmdale High School had been sleeping peacefully in her room when the SUV came crashing through the walls at approximately 4 on a Sunday morning.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the apartment complex where Mendoza lived, but by then it as too late. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe she instantly passed away upon impact.

Police have identified the driver as 20-year-old Roberto Rodriguez. After the crash, he was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and subsequently arrested.

Police say he is facing charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Rodriguez has since been released on $100,000 bail and has apologized to the victim’s family.

Those condolences offer little consolation to the relatives, who are left absolutely devastated by the loss of Mendoza’s life. Rodriguez is due back in court for the related charges on April 22nd.