Woman charged with murder after crash in the US — The Guardian
In Los Angeles, US, 36-year-old Bailey Lynn Rios has been charged with two counts of murder after her SUV collided with an LA Metro bus. According to The Guardian, two bus passengers were killed in the crash: 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Wade.
Charges in the crash case
Prosecutors allege that Rios was driving while intoxicated, travelling at high speed in oncoming lanes, ran a red light and crashed into the bus. She is being held on $4.1 million bail, and her arraignment was scheduled for September 18.
Electronic court records do not list an attorney who could represent Rios. The public defender's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether it represents her.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the consequences of the defendant's actions would be felt for years. LA Metro Chief Executive Stephanie Wiggins expressed condolences to the families of those killed and thanked rescuers, investigators and prosecutors.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Helicopter crash
Several hours after the bus crash, a news helicopter that arrived to cover the incident fell to the ground and caught fire. Pilot George Martsyniv and reporter Eliana Moreno were killed, as was 29-year-old pedestrian Eddie Gutierrez Mejia.
The US National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the helicopter crash as well as the bus collision. Board investigator Fabian Salazar called the final seconds of the crew's video broadcast one of the most important pieces of evidence: an alarm signal could be heard in the cockpit before the loss of altitude.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti suggested that the signal could indicate a loss of engine power and a dangerous drop in the main rotor's rotational speed. In his assessment, the pilot likely attempted an emergency maneuver to use airflow to restore rotor rotation.
Moreno and Martsyniv worked for contractor Angel City Air, which provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. A memorial event in honor of the victims of both crashes was also planned in Los Angeles.
