Driver arrested after powerful crash splits car in half and kills girlfriend

A powerful car crash in Paramount killed one person and sent the driver to the hospital and then jail.

A trail of yellow flags marked where this blue Camaro lost control before crashing into a tree and splitting in two pieces on the other side of Somerset Blvd.

The crash was loud enough to wake up neighbors a block away around 3:30 Thursday morning.

Deputies identified the driver as Giovanni Peña and family identified the passenger as his girlfriend of nearly 10 years, Yadira Alvarez

Peña was taken to the hospital for injuries. Alvarez died at the scene - just a block away from her grandma's home, according to family.

The impact was so powerful, her body parts were found on both sides of the road.

According to a witness, the couple was arguing and deputies say they believe Guzman had been drinking.

Hours later, investigators poured out a bottle of gin near the car and placed it into an evidence bag.

Alvarez's family came to the scene Thursday, shocked and heartbroken.

"We were just going to celebrate that she was going to graduate," said Isaura Alvarez, the victim's cousin.

She says tragedy hit during a time meant for celebration.

Alvarez was expected to graduate UC Irvine Friday and become the first in her family to complete college.

"We have to do a funeral for her instead of being happy for her, we just can't believe it," said Alvarez.

Peña was booked for vehicular manslaughter.

Deputies issued search warrants for his blood alcohol level and data from the car.

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