Woman Charged with Murder in Deadly LA Bus Crash and Helicopter Crash
Bailee Rios faces murder charges after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a multi-vehicle accident that resulted in multiple fatalities.
The driver accused of causing a fatal collision that killed two people and indirectly led to the deaths of a reporter and pilot has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, authorities announced Thursday. Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, is also facing charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that Rios was allegedly high on drugs at the time of the incident. The crash occurred Tuesday when Rios’ Ford Expedition barreled through a Chatsworth intersection at high speed, striking a Los Angeles Metro bus. The impact killed two bus passengers, Gage Weida, 31, and Daniel Castillo, 46, and injured five others. Investigators found suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in Rios's vehicle.
Rios is currently hospitalized and her bail has been set at $4.03 million. She missed her scheduled arraignment on Thursday due to medical reasons and is expected back in court Friday morning.
The initial collision triggered a chain of events that resulted in the crash of an NBC news helicopter, killing pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno. A bystander on the ground, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, was also killed in the helicopter crash.
Families of the bus crash victims have expressed their grief. Castillo's family described him as bringing "much love, laughter, joy, and light" into their lives, while Weida's family called him a "kind, caring, and selfless son." Weida's girlfriend, Autumn Reiff, shared an emotional tribute, describing their nearly decade-long relationship.
Sources close to Rios indicated she had expressed significant concerns in the days leading up to the crash. A text message from Rios to a friend on Tuesday afternoon read, "Brad, it's not a joking matter on this bf thing its serious and im honestly scared but yes of course imma come see you." Rios allegedly collided with the bus approximately five hours after sending this message. Her friend told investigators that Rios had mentioned associating with people she shouldn't have been.
If convicted, Rios faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.