A mother in California has been charged with murder for leaving her 4-year-old daughter to die in a “partially submerged” SUV after sending the vehicle careening into an irrigation canal during a DUI crash. Cops later found the woman “taking a bath while her daughter remained in peril” at the scene, according to prosecutors.
Juliette Acosta, 26, was initially charged with felony drunk driving for the fatal DUI crash that killed her daughter, Reagan Herrin, on the night of March 8 near Hickman.
According to a press release issued on Friday by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Acosta’s charges have been upgraded to murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, allowing a child to suffer in circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer, peace officer, or emergency medical technician following an investigation.
“According to the criminal complaint, Acosta is alleged to have been driving with a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit of .08%, when the fatal crash occurred,” the district attorney’s office announced.
“The charging document includes circumstances in aggravation, alleging that Acosta left her partially submerged car while her daughter remained trapped inside, failing to render aid to her child, being located taking a bath while her daughter remained in peril at the crash scene, and causing the death of a vulnerable victim.”
District Attorney Laugero said in a statement Friday that the crash and Herrin’s death had a “significant” impact on local residents and the child’s family.
“However, our responsibility to both the victim and the integrity of our legal system requires a thorough investigation based on the evidence and the law,” Laugero told the crowd. “This methodical approach ensures that justice is pursued using accurate information.
I appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we protect the process and fulfill our ethical obligations. “Justice requires that we strictly adhere to these standards.”
A friend who started an online GoFundMe fundraiser for the victim’s father, Gage Herrin, described the Herrin family as being “overwhelmed with the support” from local residents, saying he “can’t begin to express their gratitude” after people started reaching out after hearing what happened last month.
“Any remaining money that has been donated after expenses will be donated back to the community on Reagan’s behalf in hopes to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future,” according to the page’s description. “Thank you again for all your continued support and we pray that justice is served for Reagan.”
Acosta was apprehended in San Francisco last week and transported back to Stanislaus County by the California Highway Patrol after attempting to elude arrest, according to police. The DA’s office stated that if Acosta is convicted of all charges, he could face a life sentence. She is currently held without bail.
