Driver Charged With Murder After Crashing Into LA Bus, Killing Two
Prosecutors stated the driver was under the influence of drugs when she caused a collision that also led to a subsequent news helicopter crash.
A driver accused of causing a collision that killed two bus riders has been charged with murder, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Thursday. Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, is alleged to have been under the influence of drugs when she drove her SUV the wrong way down a street, ran a red light, and struck a Los Angeles city bus on Tuesday.
The two victims on the bus were identified as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31. Rios faces two counts of second-degree murder and was being held on $4.1 million bail. She is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
This tragedy was compounded by the subsequent crash of a TV news helicopter that was covering the initial collision. The helicopter crash killed pilot George Marciniw, reporter Eliana Moreno, and a man on the ground, Edy Gutierrez Mejia. At least four cars and two storage containers caught fire following the aircraft's impact.
A vigil was planned for Thursday evening to honor all the victims of both incidents.
Johanna Castillo, daughter of Daniel Castillo, said her father was on his way home from his job at a car parts warehouse, riding the same bus he took daily. She described him as a hard worker and a bright, lively person who brought joy to those around him.
Investigators are examining the helicopter crash, with National Transportation Safety Board investigator Fabian Salazar stating that video footage from the helicopter's final moments is crucial evidence. The video captured an alarm sounding in the cockpit as the helicopter lost altitude, followed by the pilot seemingly attempting an emergency maneuver. An aviation safety expert suggested the alarm could indicate a loss of engine power.
Moreno and Marciniw were employees of Angel City Air, a helicopter contractor that provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. Moreno had worked for Angel City Air since 2010, and began flying with Marciniw in 2023. Marciniw was a longtime Southern California resident.
Since 2000, there have been at least eight fatal crashes involving news helicopters in the U.S., resulting in 16 deaths, according to a review of federal accident records and news accounts.