A California woman is facing murder charges after allegedly leaving her 4-year-old daughter to perish in a partially submerged SUV following a DUI crash. Prosecutors claim that Juliette Acosta, 26, was found bathing at the scene while her daughter was still in danger.
Acosta was initially charged with felony drunk driving after the fatal accident that claimed the life of her daughter, Reagan Herrin, on March 8 near Hickman. However, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that Acosta’s charges have been elevated to include murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, allowing a child to suffer under circumstances likely to cause severe bodily harm or death, and resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer, peace officer or emergency medical technician.
The District Attorney’s Office alleges that Acosta had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit of .08% at the time of the crash. The charges also include circumstances in aggravation, claiming that Acosta abandoned her partially submerged vehicle with her daughter trapped inside, failed to provide aid to her child, and was found bathing while her daughter was still in danger at the crash site.
District Attorney Laugero emphasized the profound impact of the crash and Herrin’s death on the local community and the child’s family. He stressed the importance of a thorough investigation based on evidence and law to ensure justice is served.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up by a friend of Gage Herrin, the victim’s father, to help the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser description expressed the family’s gratitude for the community’s support and stated that any remaining funds after expenses would be donated back to the community in Reagan’s name to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Acosta was apprehended in San Francisco last week and returned to Stanislaus County by the California Highway Patrol after allegedly attempting to evade arrest. If convicted on all charges, Acosta could face a life sentence. She is currently being held without bail.