Last Updated on June 6, 2019 by CCAR Staff
The man accused of causing the collision in Temecula this week that killed a Murrieta woman was charged Thursday, June 6, with second-degree murder.
Javier Caldera, 25, of Auburn, Washington was also charged with driving under the influence of drugs causing injury and hit and run causing property damage. The DUI count carries a sentencing enhancement of causing great bodily injury.
Caldera was in court Thursday at Southwest Justice Center in French Valley, where he was scheduled to enter a plea. But his attorney from the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office requested a postponement, and the hearing was rescheduled for June 18.
Deputy District Attorney Allison Pace persuaded Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Gallon to revoke Caldera’s $1 million bail out of fear that if freed Caldera might flee or drive a vehicle. He told investigators that he was headed to Mexico at the time of the 7:15 a.m. crash that killed Janet Genao, 44, and injured three others, District Attorney’s Office spokesman John Hall said.
Pace told the judge that Caldera had been driving on a suspended license since 2013. Hall said Caldera’s convictions in Washington state, including driving under the influence and felony evading, influenced the DA’s Office to file the murder charge. A filing of a first-degree murder charge would have required the DA to establish that Caldera intended to kill.
“This is someone who is an extreme danger to our community,” Pace told the judge.
Gallon cited Caldera’s criminal record in agreeing that the defendant be held without bail.
Caldera could face life in prison if convicted as currently charged, Hall said.
The collision happened in the southbound lanes of the 15 Freeway, between Ranch California Road and Temecula Parkway. A dashboard video shows Caldera’s vehicle – Hall said witnesses reported that it was traveling faster than 100 mph – coming up on slower traffic and rear-ending one vehicle, setting off a chain reaction that obliterated two other vehicles.
