Undocumented immigrant charged in fatal Arizona accident that took her daughter’s life

Mother Charged After Daughter Dies in Arizona Crash

An undocumented immigrant mother, arrested by ICE agents following the tragic death of her 9-year-old daughter in a rollover crash in Arizona, has now been charged. Toxicology tests reportedly revealed methamphetamine and marijuana in her system, according to Arizona prosecutors.

On Monday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, has been charged in connection with the April 12 accident. The incident occurred on Interstate 17 northbound, near Cactus Road in Phoenix.

Authorities reported that Rivera Estrada crashed into another SUV, resulting in her daughter being thrown from the vehicle, which sadly led to the child’s death. Additionally, three other children in the SUV—a boy aged 11, a 3-year-old boy, and a 1-year-old girl—sustained minor injuries.

Earlier reports suggested that Rivera Estrada’s daughter may have been sharing a seatbelt with her brother at the time of the accident.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers initially suspected impairment due to the strong smell of marijuana at the scene. Tests later confirmed that Rivera Estrada had both marijuana and methamphetamine in her system.

Prosecutors emphasized, “The suspect chose to enter the vehicle while allegedly under the influence of marijuana,” with multiple witnesses claiming she was speeding beyond the 65 mph limit.

A grand jury indictment against Rivera Estrada includes one count of manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, one count of possession or use of dangerous drugs, and one count of possession or use of drug paraphernalia. Manslaughter is categorized as a second-degree dangerous felony.

After being arraigned, Rivera Estrada was moved from ICE custody to Maricopa County Jail, where she is currently held on a $250,000 cash bail.

These charges follow the confirmation from ICE that Rivera Estrada, a Mexican national, was initially released from local custody. Federal immigration authorities placed her in detention as they awaited results from toxicology tests and crash reconstruction.

Rivera Estrada entered the U.S. via Nogales, Arizona, in February 2009, reportedly as an undocumented border crosser allowed to remain for only 30 days, violating federal immigration law by overstaying.

Mitchell defended the delay in filing charges, explaining that thorough investigation was necessary. “We have one chance to get this right,” she stated, stressing the time required to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution.

ICE officials noted that Rivera Estrada’s arrest highlights the importance of their criminal alien program. Alejandro Almeida, deputy director of ICE’s Phoenix field office for removal operations, remarked on the commitment to public safety demonstrated by their personnel.