Indictment in Arizona Rollover Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant
An illegal immigrant mother has been indicted following a fatal Arizona rollover crash that resulted in the death of her nine-year-old daughter. Toxicology results allegedly revealed the presence of methamphetamine and marijuana in her system, according to prosecutors in Arizona.
Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, faced charges related to the crash that took place on April 12 on northbound Interstate 17, near Cactus Road in Phoenix. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the indictment.
Authorities reported Rivera Estrada crashed her SUV, which led to the fatal ejection of her daughter from the vehicle. Three other children in the SUV, an 11-year-old boy, a three-year-old boy, and a one-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries.
Reports indicated the daughter was sharing a seatbelt with a sibling when the incident occurred. Rivera Estrada now faces charges including manslaughter and child abuse.
Investigation Details
Troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety suspected impairment when they smelled marijuana at the scene. Subsequent toxicology results confirmed the presence of both marijuana and methamphetamine.
“The suspect chose to get in a vehicle where she was allegedly under the influence of marijuana,” a prosecutor told Fox 10 Phoenix. Witnesses noted she was driving above the 65 mph speed limit.
A grand jury in Maricopa County indicted her on one count of manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, one count of possessing or using dangerous drugs, and another count of drug paraphernalia possession.
Legal Consequences
The manslaughter charge is considered a Class Two Dangerous Felony. Following the indictment, Rivera Estrada was transferred from ICE custody to Maricopa County Jail with a $250,000 cash bond.
The indictment arrived weeks after ICE confirmed Rivera Estrada, a Mexican national, was initially released from local custody before entering ICE custody on an immigration detainer. Authorities awaited toxicology and crash reconstruction before proceeding with charges.
Rivera Estrada entered the United States via Nogales, Arizona, in February 2009 as a nonimmigrant border crosser authorized for a 30-day stay. She overstayed, violating federal immigration laws.
Official Statements
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell explained the charge delay, citing the need for comprehensive evidence gathering to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“We have one chance to get this right,” Mitchell stated, emphasizing the complexity of the case.
ICE representatives highlighted the importance of the Criminal Alien Program. Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida stressed that Rivera Estrada’s arrest underscores the significance of public safety efforts by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Rivera Estrada remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.