Officers say the California mom was drunk and speeding when she crashed and killed two young children.
Ieika Barajas, 31, left Highway 29 in Napa and lost control of his 2006 Nissan sedan when he crashed into a tree on a highway before 7:30am on Sunday. ABC 7 reported.
Her son, Damien Montanes, 10, and daughter, Aaliyah Montanes, 9, were both declared dead at the scene.
Her mother suffered severe injuries and was taken to the Queen of Napa's Valley Hospital, where she was charged with allegedly driving under the influence, the California Highway Patrol said Monday.
Police believe alcohol, speed and drugs played a role in the fatal crash.
“There's a lot to this,” CHP Sargent Andrew Barclay told ABC 7. “This will be an ongoing investigation.”
The mother will maintain custody of the CHP until she is medically permitted to be transferred to the Napa County Jail. Her bail is set at $500,000, The record will be displayed.
“The tragic situation becomes even more tragic. The fact that two young children lost their lives due to someone else's decision to promote a disability is a challenge to overcome,” Berkeley said.
Gabriel Cardenas, who was laying flowers for her two children near the crash site on Monday, told ABC 7 that the children's deaths were “a complete tragedy for the community.”
“I found it scary for the kids because at the end of the morning, they are normal kids and should watch cartoons in a bowl of cereal,” Cardenas said.
said Angela Villasenar, a family friend. Kron4 The child's family is “devastated” over their deaths.
“Everyone is still in shock,” she said. “No one is ready for something like this to happen.”
The brothers are remembered as “full of life,” writes Villasenor, who organized the GoFundMe page to help families with funeral costs.
“Damien and Aaliyah were sweet, loving, full of life, and children. They touched everyone they met. They were always helpful and loved camping at Lake Tahoe.
“Everyone is still in shock. No one is ready to happen. The family is devastated right now. They'll be overlooked.”
The brothers and sister attended schools in the Napa Valley Unified School District.
“Our hearts come to our families when we provide support in our community and our sadness and in this difficult time,” said a district spokesman.
“We continue to make counseling and social worker support available to our students and staff.”
