Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Murder After Fatal Metro Bus Collision
By Drooid · · How we work
The Crash and Charges
In mid-September 2026, Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, of Simi Valley was identified as the driver of a 2004 Ford Expedition that entered the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue, ran a red light at the Nordhoff Street intersection, and struck an orange Los Angeles Metro bus that had just entered the crossing. Police said the SUV broadsided the bus, partially embedding the vehicle inside the bus. One passenger was ejected from the bus; six passengers reported injuries, while two occupants—46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida—were killed.
Rios faces two counts of second-degree murder, one felony count of driving under the influence causing injury, and a misdemeanor count of reckless driving. She remains jailed on a $4.1 million bail.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Mid-September 2026 – The SUV-bus collision occurs, followed two hours later by a news-helicopter crash that kills three people while covering the incident.
- September 24 2026 – Rios appears in San Fernando Superior Court on a gurney and enters a not-guilty plea to all charges.
- Early November 2026 – A preliminary hearing is scheduled.
- Approximately 30 days after the crash – A federal investigative agency is expected to release a preliminary report on the helicopter crash; a final report will take months.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: 2 counts of second-degree murder; 1 felony DUI-causing-injury; 1 misdemeanor reckless driving.
- Bail: $4.1 million, set by the court.
- Fatalities: 2 (Castillo, 46; Weida, 31).
- Injuries: Reports vary between five and six non-fatal injuries among bus passengers.
- Secondary fatalities: 3 (NBC news helicopter crew members Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and bystander Edy Gutierrez Mejia).
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the deaths were “preventable” and warned that a conviction could result in a life sentence. He added that his office will await the outcome of the ongoing federal investigation before deciding whether Rios will face additional charges related to the helicopter crash.
The Castillo family, in a statement to ABC7, expressed disappointment with the not-guilty plea and reiterated their demand for justice for their father.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members of the victims voiced frustration that Rios has not yet been held accountable, describing the plea as a “blow” to the community’s sense of justice. Their statements underscore the emotional toll on those left behind and call for a swift resolution of the case.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of non-fatal injuries: one outlet reports five injured passengers, while another cites six. No additional details have been provided to reconcile this discrepancy.
What’s Next
Rios is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in early November 2026, where the court will consider whether the case proceeds to trial. The federal investigation into the helicopter crash is expected to issue a preliminary report within about a month, potentially influencing any further charges.
*All information is drawn from the cited news reports; no external data has been added.*