Family seeks justice after 17-year-old girl killed by alleged drunk driver

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A family seeks justice after their 17-year-old daughter, Anahi Karla Leanos, was killed by an alleged drunk driver.

Family said it happened one day before her 18th birthday, instead of a party, they are left planning a funeral.

"It left us heartbreaking with a hole in our hearts and destroyed our family," said Juan Carlos Leanos, Anahi's father.

Family members tell ABC-7 she was the life of the party, a bright light that was always happy and outgoing.

She was a senior at Parkland High School who played softball and aspired to be a lawyer.

Through a GoFundMe account, the family is raising money to help cover Leanos' funeral expenses.

The fundraising account stated the family was not prepared for the high cost of the funeral and are reaching out to the community for help.

According to the El Paso Police Department, Leanos pulled over on the left emergency lane on Loop 375 at Mile Marker 56 after her car broke down. While waiting for assistance, police say 18-year-old Ruger Garrett Clark drunkenly crashed his truck into Leanos' stalled vehicle at a high speed.

Leanos died at the scene. Clark was arrested and charged with Intoxicated Manslaughter and Collision Involving Death. Clark has since been released on bond.

Leanos' family said they are seeking justice for their daughter.

"I have a message for his family. I know it broke me and my family, I'm sure it hurt them too, but, they still have him, he is still walking around, my daughter isn't. My daughter is not here anymore," said Magaly Leanos, Mother.

Anahi's funeral services are being held Jan. 10 at Sunset Funeral Homes in Northeast El Paso. Its taking place from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.