An illegal immigrant mother was indicted after a fatal crash in Arizona, which resulted in the death of her nine-year-old daughter. Toxicology reports allegedly revealed the presence of methamphetamine and marijuana in her system, according to Arizona prosecutors.
Brenda Rivera Estrada, aged 30, faced this indictment after a crash on April 12 on Interstate 17 near Cactus Road in Phoenix. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell made this announcement. Rivera Estrada’s SUV crash resulted in her daughter’s death. The daughter was ejected from the vehicle. Three other children inside, aged 11, three, and one, suffered minor injuries.
Reports indicated Rivera Estrada’s daughter was reportedly sharing a seatbelt with a sibling when the crash occurred. Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers suspected impairment due to the smell of marijuana at the scene. Prosecutors stated that the toxicology results confirmed she tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamine.
“The suspect chose to get in a vehicle where she was allegedly under the influence of marijuana,” a prosecutor earlier indicated to Fox 10 Phoenix. Multiple witnesses claimed she was driving over the 65 mph speed limit.
The indictment from a Maricopa County grand jury includes one count of manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, one count of drug possession or use, and one count of drug paraphernalia possession. The manslaughter charge is a Class Two Dangerous Felony.
Following the indictment, Rivera Estrada was moved from ICE custody to Maricopa County Jail with a $250,000 cash bond.
Rivera Estrada, a Mexican national, was initially released from local custody but detained by federal immigration authorities on an immigration detainer, as prosecutors awaited the toxicology and crash reconstruction results.
The Maricopa County Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, justified the delay in filing charges, stating the necessity of additional investigation. “I have said this many times: we have one chance to get this right,” Mitchell stated, emphasizing the time required to gather sufficient evidence.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Phoenix highlighted Rivera Estrada’s arrest as a significant example of the Criminal Alien Program’s importance in public safety efforts. Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida stated, “The identification and arrest of Brenda Liliana Rivera-Estrada by ICE underscores the importance of the Criminal Alien Program.”
Rivera Estrada remains in custody as court proceedings continue.
This report was contributed to by Fox News Digital’s Eric Mack and breaking reporter Bradford Betz, covering crime and political issues.