SouthernWorldwide.com – A mother, identified as Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, has been indicted on multiple charges, including manslaughter, following a fatal rollover crash on April 12 that claimed the life of her nine-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on northbound Interstate 17 near Cactus Road in Phoenix, Arizona.
The indictment was announced by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. Authorities stated that Rivera Estrada was driving an SUV when the crash occurred. Her nine-year-old daughter was ejected from the vehicle and tragically died at the scene. Three other children, an 11-year-old boy, a three-year-old boy, and a one-year-old girl, who were also in the SUV, sustained minor injuries.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers at the scene reportedly detected the smell of marijuana, leading them to suspect Rivera Estrada was impaired. Subsequent toxicology results allegedly confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and marijuana in her system.
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Prosecutors detailed that the suspect was allegedly operating the vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Multiple witnesses also reported that she was driving significantly above the posted speed limit of 65 mph.
A grand jury in Maricopa County has charged Rivera Estrada with one count of manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, one count of possession or use of dangerous drugs, and one count of possession or use of drug paraphernalia. The manslaughter charge is classified as a Class Two Dangerous Felony.
Following her indictment, Rivera Estrada was transferred from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody to the Maricopa County Jail. She is currently being held on a $250,000 cash bond.
The indictment comes several weeks after ICE confirmed that Rivera Estrada, a Mexican national, had initially been released from local custody. Federal immigration authorities then took her into custody on an immigration detainer while awaiting the toxicology and crash reconstruction reports.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell had previously defended the timeline in filing charges, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation in complex cases. She stated that the prosecution has one opportunity to ensure the case is built correctly and that gathering the necessary evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt routinely takes time.
Alejandro Almeida, Deputy Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Phoenix, highlighted that Rivera Estrada’s arrest underscores the significance of ICE’s Criminal Alien Program. This program focuses on identifying and apprehending non-citizens who have committed crimes.
Rivera Estrada remains in custody as she awaits further court proceedings related to the charges she faces.
