LA SUV driver charged with second-degree murder after drug-impaired crash kills two bus passengers
Prosecutors say Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, was under the influence of drugs when she drove the wrong way down a Los Angeles avenue, collided with a city bus and caused two fatalities; she has been charged with second-degree murder.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Thursday that Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after a drug-impaired SUV drove the wrong way down a busy avenue, ran a red light and struck a city bus, killing two passengers, identified as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31.
Rios, who was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition, is being held on $4.1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. The public defender’s office has not yet been appointed to represent her, and no attorney has been listed in court records.
The crash was followed by a separate fatal accident involving a news helicopter that was covering the collision. The helicopter, operated by Angel City Air, crashed shortly after the bus impact, killing pilot George Marciniw, reporter Eliana Moreno and a pedestrian, Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
Investigators are reviewing video captured by the helicopter’s crew, which includes an alarm sound and a crew member’s remarks before the aircraft descended. NTSB investigator Fabian Salazar described the footage as “probably the most important evidence that we have discovered so far.”
Hundreds gathered in the Chatsworth neighborhood for a candlelit vigil honoring all victims of the two crashes. Donations have been collected online to assist with funeral expenses for the bus passengers.