SAMER HABBAS & ASSOCIATES IS REPRESENTING THE LONG BEACH FAMILY KILLED BY DRUNK DRIVER ON HALLOWEEN

23-Year-Old Carlo Adrian Navarro Found Guilty Of Long Beach Crash That Killed Family of Three While They Were Trick Or Treating

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (July 19, 2022) – Three-year-old Omar Awaida, father Joseph Awaida and mother Raihan Dakhil were tragically killed in a Halloween crash involving an underage drunk driver in Long Beach, according to the Long Beach Post. 

Long Beach police officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Halloween night in 2019. Omar Awaida was being pushed in a stroller by his parents Joseph Awaida and Raihan Dakhil when all three were struck from behind by Carlo Adrian Navarro after his SUV jumped the curb.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. All three family members were transported to the hospital with critical injuries. 

Sadly, none survived after being transported to the hospital. Three bright lights of the community were snuffed out by the recklessness of a drunk driver. Joseph was finishing his bachelor’s degree and getting ready for medical school. 

Raihan was a passionate social worker who dedicated her life to serving her community. Omar was the pride and joy of his two parents. 

Long Beach police arrested Carlo Navarro on suspicion of DUI, manslaughter and murder. He was only 20-years-old at the time of the crash. He has since been convicted on three counts of murder for driving while intoxicated and awaits sentencing in September. 

While investigating the incident, authorities learned that underage Navarro was able to get his alcohol from Green Diamond Liquor. The store kept operating prior to the fatal crash despite a history of violations. 

Amor Amacio was the clerk that gave underage Navarro the Jack Daniel’s whiskey on credit the night of the fatal crash. She is also the owner of Eddie’s Market & Liquor, which had developed of reputation for selling alcohol to underage drinkers. 

That liquor store eventually lost its license to sell alcohol. Amacio’s daughter, Syntyche, is the owner of Green Diamond Liquor. Amacio has since been arrested after the crash but is now out on bail. 

Samer Habbas & Associates, PC is pursuing a lawsuit against the liquor store that supplied Adrian Navarro with Jack Daniel’s whiskey the night of the crash. See, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Case No: 21STCV39948.

The clerk for Green Diamond Liquor knew, or should have known, that Navarro was obviously intoxicated when he was provided alcohol. Any person that may be a witness to the crash or any of the events proceeding the fatal crash is strongly encouraged to call our law office at (951) 468-9499.

It is a crime under California Business & Professional Code 25658 to sell, furnish or give away alcohol to any person under the age of 21. Moreover, California has a Dram Shop law which could impose liability on any bar, liquor store or “social host” that provides alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.

When a liquor store sells, provides or furnishes alcohol to an “obviously intoxicated minor,” this could form the basis of a negligence claim for any injuries or deaths caused by the intoxicated minor. 

Samer Habbas is the attorney representing the family of the three victims. “What happened was a tragedy that should have never taken place. There were failures and lapses in judgement at every level that could have prevented this deadly collision. We intend to do everything in our power to get justice for the family and hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions,” said Samer. 

If you or someone that you love has been injured due to the negligence of an intoxicated driver, there are many laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you. 

For more information or to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, you can call our office at (951) 468-9499.