California woman, 40, with THREE prior DUI offences is charged with MURDER after latest 'drink driving incident' kills pregnant 23-year-old

A 'DUI driver' who struck and killed a pregnant woman in California has been charged with murder. 

Courtney Pandolfi, 40, was slapped with the felony charge Thursday - less than 48 hours after the Jeep she was driving plowed into Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, 23, on an Anaheim sidewalk.  

Aguilar, who was 35 weeks pregnant, rushed to hospital, but died from her injuries. 

Medical personnel were able to deliver her baby girl, whom her husband has named Adalyn Rose. The infant remains in intensive care at UC Irvine Medical Center, where she is fighting for life. 

On Thursday, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer described Pandolfi's actions as 'beyond shocking' and 'absolutely reprehensible'. 

She has additionally been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and driving on a suspended license. 

Pandolfi has three previous DUI convictions, according to Fox News. 

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Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, 23, died shortly after she was struck by the Jeep driven by Courtney Pandolfi on Tuesday.  She was eight months pregnant and medical personnel was able to safe her daughter, who has been named Adalyn Rose

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Adalyn Rose was delivered by emergency cesarean section after the accident. The newborn is fighting to survive and being monitored for brain damage at UC Irvine Medical Center

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Aguilar was hit and killed after Pandolfi lost control of the white Jeep she was driving on Tuesday evening

The accused murderer appeared in court on Thursday, but has not yet entered a guilty plea. Her next appearance is scheduled for September 4. 

In a statement, DA Spitzer further slammed Pandolfi, saying: 'This was 100 percent preventable. This woman knew the consequences of driving under the influence and she did it anyway.'

'There is no reason why a 23-year-old mother is dead and her daughter will grow up without ever seeing her mother's smile or hearing her voice.'

At the time she was struck, Aguilar was out on a walk with her husband, James Alvarez, who witnessed the horrible incident.   

The heartbroken widower says his wife was 'so excited' about becoming a mom, and revealed that they had been trying to conceive for two years.   

'It's like I'm living a nightmare and I'm hoping to wake up soon,' Alverez told KTLA through tears on Wednesday.

'But I'm accepting the reality is she's gone. And my daughter is the only thing that I have left.' 

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Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, 23, was taking a walk with her husband James Alvarez, pictured together above, in Anaheim on Tuesday evening when an alleged DUI driver struck, killing her. She was 35 weeks pregnant and her newborn baby girl is now fighting to survive

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Husband James Alvarez revealed the couple had been trying for two years to have a baby 

Recalling the moment they noticed Pandolfi's Jeep charging towards them, Alvarez stated: 'I was holding her hand. I was trying to pull her away towards me... and all of a sudden, out of a second, my life changed.'

Alvarez said he is now concentrating on ensuring his daughter gets better and receives the medical attention she needs so as to keep a part of his wife with him.

'I'm just praying that she is healthy. She's the last thing I have from her,' he said. 

A GoFundMe has been established in her honor that has raised more than $119,000. 

'We ask you to keep Adalyn Rose ( Yesenia's daughter) and her family in your prayers,' reads the page that will cover the young woman's funeral, as well as medical costs.

Pandolfi, meanwhile, was taken to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries. 

She is being held at the Orange County Jail on $1million bail. 

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The fatal incident occurred at 7:37pm on Katella Avenue and Bayless Street when a driver, later identified to be 40-year-old Courtney Pandolfi (above), lost control of her vehicle