According to Arizona prosecutors, an illegal immigrant mother was indicted after a fatal crash in Arizona. The crash resulted in the death of her nine-year-old daughter. Toxicology reports allegedly showed she had methamphetamine and marijuana in her system.
Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, faced charges in connection with the April 12 crash. The incident occurred on northbound Interstate 17 near Cactus Road in Phoenix. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the indictment on Monday.
Authorities reported that Rivera Estrada’s SUV crashed, leading to the death of her daughter who was ejected from the vehicle. Three other children in the SUV suffered minor injuries. The children included an 11-year-old boy, a three-year-old boy, and a one-year-old girl.
“The suspect chose to get in a vehicle where she was allegedly under the influence of marijuana,” a prosecutor previously told Fox 10 Phoenix.
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Rivera Estrada on several charges. These included manslaughter, endangerment, and possession or use of dangerous drugs. She also faced a charge for possession or use of drug paraphernalia.
A source from the Arizona Department of Public Safety indicated officers suspected impairment. They reportedly smelled marijuana at the scene. Toxicology results later confirmed the presence of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Rivera Estrada’s charges are serious. She faces one count of manslaughter, classified as a Class Two Dangerous Felony. Court records show she was recently transported from ICE custody to Maricopa County Jail. She is currently held on a $250,000 cash bond.
The indictment followed weeks after ICE confirmed Rivera Estrada’s release from local custody. Federal immigration authorities detained her while they awaited further evidence. A significant delay in filing charges occurred as prosecutors gathered necessary information.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell explained the importance of thorough investigations. “Complex cases like this routinely take time to gather the evidence needed to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt,” she explained.
ICE officials provided background on Rivera Estrada’s immigration status. They reported her entry into the United States as a nonimmigrant border crosser in 2009. Her visa allowed a stay of 30 days, but she exceeded this period.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations emphasized the importance of their efforts through the Criminal Alien Program. Phoenix Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida stated that Rivera Estrada’s arrest highlighted public safety efforts.
Rivera Estrada remains in custody while further court proceedings are ongoing.