A woman has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after an SUV crashed into a Los Angeles Metro bus in Chatsworth, killing two passengers and injuring at least five others.
Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, from Simi Valley, is also accused of driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving in connection with the collision on Tuesday, September 15.
Prosecutors allege that Rios was travelling at high speed on the wrong side of the road before running a red light at the junction of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue at about 5pm. Her SUV struck the side of a Metro bus carrying passengers.
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said two people died and at least five others were injured, with two of those hurt suffering critical injuries. The victims were identified as 31-year-old Gage Weida and 46-year-old Daniel Castillo.
Police said the impact fully ejected one passenger from the bus and partially ejected another. Emergency crews freed Rios from the SUV, and she was taken to hospital before being arrested at the scene.
Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors would seek the maximum penalty, which could be life in prison with the possibility of parole if Rios is convicted.
Rios was scheduled to appear at San Fernando Courthouse on Friday, September 18. The charges are allegations and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
