Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by C-CAR
A mother accused of driving drunk with three children in her vehicle, causing a Temecula crash that killed her 8-year-old daughter, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and other counts, California Highway Patrol officials said on Monday, July 25.
The collision happened at 6:20 p.m. Sunday at State Route 79 and Anza Road.
Investigators said Jessica Nieto, 33, of Temecula was behind the wheel of a 2011 Honda Pilot heading west on the two-lane 79 when it drifted to the right and into the dirt shoulder. Nieto attempted to pull the SUV back onto the roadway but over-corrected, sending the vehicle into the opposing lane, according to the CHP.
The Pilot then collided with an eastbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado going between 55 and 60 mph.
Investigators said the 8-year-old girl was not wearing a seatbelt.
A 12-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl in the Honda suffered major injuries and were taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Nieto was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center with major injuries.
Three Thermal residents in the Silverado were also injured and taken to Inland Valley Medical Center. The driver and a passenber, both in their 40s, suffered major injuries while a 12-year-old girl suffered minor injuries, the CHP reported.
Nieto was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, child endangerment and gross vehicular manslaughter, the CHP said.
