Full Breakdown
SUV Driver Charged with Murder After Fatal Chatsworth Bus Collision and Subsequent News Helicopter Crash
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On a Tuesday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, of Simi Valley drove a gray 2004 Ford Expedition southward in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue, ran a red light at high speed, and struck the side of a Metro Line 166 bus traveling east on Nordhoff Street in the 20900 block. The impact ejected one passenger and partially ejected a second; two passengers—31-year-old Gage Weida and 46-year-old Daniel Castillo—were pronounced dead at the scene. Six other occupants were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Rios was treated for injuries before being taken into custody.
Shortly after responders left the crash site, an NBC 4 news helicopter covering the incident crashed a few blocks away, killing pilot George Marciniw, reporter Eliana Moreno, and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
Key Figures & Groups
- Bailee Lynn Rios – driver, charged with two counts of second-degree murder, DUI, and reckless driving.
- Nathan Hochman – Los Angeles County District Attorney, announced the charges and noted a federal investigation of the helicopter crash.
- Daniel Castillo – victim, father of four.
- Gage Weida – victim thrown from the bus.
- Eliana Moreno – reporter killed in the helicopter crash.
- George Marciniw – pilot killed in the helicopter crash.
- Lindsey Horvath – Los Angeles County Supervisor, offered condolences and pledged coordination with authorities.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 2 bus passengers; 3 in the helicopter crash (total 5).
- Injured: 6 bus passengers; 1 additional person in the helicopter crash.
- Vehicles: 2004 Ford Expedition; Metro Line 166 bus; 2024 Honda CR-V (damaged).
- Bail: Reported amounts vary—$4.03 million, $4.1 million, and $4 million.
- Charges: Two counts of second-degree murder, driving under the influence of a drug causing injury, reckless driving.
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Hochman said Rios had drugs in her system and narcotics were found in her vehicle, describing them as “hard drugs” while a full chemical analysis continues. He called the tragedy “absolutely preventable.” Regarding the helicopter crash, Hochman noted a federal investigation is underway and that his office will consider any possible tie-in once that investigation concludes.
Community Reaction & Impact
A vigil was scheduled at St. John Eudes Church in Chatsworth to honor the five victims of both crashes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Bail Amount: Sources differ on the exact bail set for Rios—$4.03 million, $4.1 million, and $4 million.
- Injury Count: Most reports list six injured bus passengers, but one ABC 7 account initially referenced five before later confirming six.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When that investigation is complete, we'll certainly consider whether or not there is any tie-in with our current prosecution.” — Nathan Hochman, county district attorney
- “The tragedy of the Rios car crash was absolutely preventable,” — Nathan Hochman, county district attorney