NATIONAL CITY - A South Bay mother loses her daughter and her boyfriend after they were hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver.
Community members gathered at a makeshift memorial Thursday to pay their respects to 15-year-old Jessica Talamante, who died Wednesday night after being struck by a car on East Plaza Boulevard near Harbison Avenue in National City. Her mother, Kristen White, said she was just weeks away from turning 16.
"My daughter was such a good girl," White said. "She was happy, she was innocent. She was like my best friend, too."
White's boyfriend, Brian McKee, was also hit by the driver and later died at the hospital. White said he was a good man who would do anything for her family. She also had words for those who who drive under the influence.
"You shouldn't be driving drunk," White said. "Take a bus, take an Uber, take the trolley."
National City Police identified the driver as 43-year-old Tayishe Baltys. She was arrested on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI resulting in bodily injury and is being held on $1 Million bail.
Her arraignment is scheduled for this afternoon.