Community Mourns Winchester Woman Killed By Suspected DUI Driver

MURRIETA, CA — Loved ones are mourning the loss of Amy Litteral, 43, who was killed Friday outside Murrieta after the car she was driving was struck by a man suspected of driving under the influence.

Litteral was the single mother of an 11-year-old boy, according to friend Jennifer Guinn, who started a fundraiser whose proceeds will go to Litteral's son, Trevor.

Litteral was an "original Temeculan," who graduated from Margarita Middle School and Temecula Valley High School, Guinn wrote.

"She had a heart of gold, always wanting to help others," according to her childhood friend Jenny Lawlor. "Her passion as a Mental Health Professional shined so bright, helping so many people find peace, find their way in life."

The crash occurred around 4:05 p.m. Friday, when Litteral was stopped at a red light at the corner of Winchester and Thompson roads. Her Ford Fusion was hit from behind by the suspect, who was driving south on Winchester "at a high rate of speed," according to the California Highway Patrol.

The suspect driver, 34-year-old Joshua Morris of Temecula, did not apply the brakes, causing him to crash into the rear of the Litteral's car. The impact pushed Litteral's car into the intersection, where it was hit by a third car turning east onto Winchester.

Litteral was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at about 4:40 p.m. A passenger in the suspect's car was also hospitalized with minor injuries.

Morris was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and murder, and is being held at Southwest Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail. An investigation is underway by the CHP, officials said.

City News Service contributed to this report.