Three Teens Killed in Hit-and-Run While Trick-or-Treating

Possibly three men were being sought Friday in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Santa Ana that killed three 13-year-old trick-or-treaters, two of whom were twins, authorities said.

Three costumed teenage girls were fatally struck at 6:45 p.m. at East Fairhaven Avenue and Jacaranda Street, said Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority.

They were in a crosswalk when they were struck by a vehicle that was traveling east on Fairhaven Avenue at a high rate of speed, said Santa Ana police spokesman Anthony Bertagna.

At an evening news conference, Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas said that officers believe they found the SUV in a strip mall just north of where the collision occurred.

Police were searching for a male driver and possibly two passengers seen getting out of a Honda CRV that had significant front-end damage.

Crowds quickly formed as news of the tragedy spread.

Sharon Stewart heard the impact, chased after the car and called police.

"I heard people screaming," she said. "I turned around and saw a vehicle leaving the scene. The window was messed up, the car was pretty bad."

Neighbors in the close-knit apartment community grieved.

"They were always laughing. They always had a smile on their face," said Brianna Magana.

Maria Jimenez was in shock.

"That's just unbelievable," Jimenez said. "They ... ruined three lives."

Stewart is hopeful the killers come forward.

"Just give yourself up," she said. "Turn yourself in. There's a lot of people out there that's hurt."

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