Ontario woman pleads not guilty to murder in San Bernardino traffic collision that killed 2

Last Updated on December 18, 2019 by CCAR Staff

An Ontario woman who authorities say caused a traffic collision that killed a pedestrian and the woman’s daughter pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to two counts of murder.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed the charges against 37-year-old Heather Anne Armstrong, also known as Heather A. Curry, on Dec. 5, the criminal complaint shows.

Spokesman Michael Bires said Wednesday that the DA’s office is not explaining at this time what actions by Armstrong prompted the filing of a murder charge. Armstrong does have a misdemeanor conviction for driving under the influence, and a second such accusation could lead to murder charges being filed if accompanied by a death.

On Aug. 27, the San Bernardino Police Department said at the time, Armstrong struck 14-year-old pedestrian Jason Xavier Castellanos as he crossed the Sierra Way intersection with 18th Street. Then a motorcycle with two aboard — both children of Armstrong — struck her car. The rider and passenger of the motorcycle were thrown. The passenger, Heather Durham, 10, died at a hospital, as did the teenager. The rider, Kenneth Durham, 20, suffered major injuries.

Jason was a ninth grader at San Bernardino High; Heather attended Norton Elementary.