Woman accused of killing 2 in deadly Chatsworth bus crash charged with second-degree murder
The woman accused of killing two people and injuring six others during a bus crash in Chatsworth on Tuesday has been charged with second-degree murder and an additional count of driving under the influence and reckless driving, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
Authorities allege that Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, was driving a gray 2004 Ford Expedition and was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue when she ran a red light at Nordhoff Street, crashing through the side of a bus.
The LA County Department of the Medical Examiner identified the victims as Gage Weida, 31, and Daniel Castillo, 46.
"Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and we send strength and resolve to the five other people on the bus who were injured that evening, including our own operator," Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said at Thursday's news conference.
The impact of the crash caused one passenger to be fully ejected, and another partially ejected. Five people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and another with major injuries. Wiggins confirmed that one of those who were injured was the bus driver.
The LAPD said one person was found dead on the bus, and another person who was ejected from the bus also died.
Aerial footage of the crash showed the SUV lodged into the middle of the Metro bus.
"The evidence will show, when we present it, that she was impaired by drugs at the time. In fact, she had narcotics in the car at that time, she was driving well beyond the speed limit," Hochman said.
While emergency crews responded to the incident, an NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashed several blocks away. Firefighters said that three people were killed, including two NBCLA employees, after the aircraft erupted in flames and at least one person was taken to a nearby hospital in unknown condition.
CBS LA has learned that Rios was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in Ventura County in 2016 and eight years later, the Simi Valley woman was convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Rios is being held on $4.1 million bail and was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, but it was postponed for medical reasons.
Prosecutors said Rios faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted as charged.
Families honor the victims
Jeffrey Weida, Gage's father, described his son as a "big teddy bear" who loved life.
He said his son was about to turn 32 and he and his family were planning to fly in to celebrate with him this weekend.
"Just talked recently with Gage about how excited he was to have us come out again," Jeffrey Weida said. "Unfortunately, we're still heading out there, but for all the wrong reasons."
Jeffrey said it is comforting knowing people are praying for his son.
"It's just comforting to know that people were there with him, saying prayers for him, and if they knew Gage, they would know it was all worthwhile," Jeff Weida said. "Gage was a wonderful, wonderful boy, and he's resting easy now."
Castillo's family said the father of four led a selfless life and brought joy into their lives.
"My dad was an amazing person. He had a way of bringing so much laughter and light into every single person's lives," said Johaunna Castillo, Daniel's daughter.
Johaunna said she is still trying to process the reality that her father is no longer with her.
Both families said they're thankful for the empathy they've received from total strangers, and each is working to raise money online.
A community vigil to honor the lives of all five victims killed in both the Metro bus crash and the helicopter crash is set to take place Thursday, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. John Eudes Church in Chatsworth,
