Illegal Immigrant Indicted After Fatal Arizona Crash

An immigrant mother in the U.S. illegally has been charged following an Arizona rollover crash that killed her nine-year-old daughter. The crash occurred after toxicology tests revealed methamphetamine and marijuana in her system, according to Arizona prosecutors.

Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, faced indictment related to the April 12 crash on Interstate 17 near Cactus Road in Phoenix. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the charges on Monday.

Authorities reported that Rivera Estrada’s SUV crashed, resulting in her daughter being ejected from the vehicle and killed. Three other children, aged 11, 3, and 1, sustained minor injuries. Reports indicated that the daughter may have been sharing a seatbelt with a sibling during the crash.

Rivera Estrada has been accused of manslaughter and child abuse following the incident. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, troopers suspected impairment at the scene after detecting marijuana odor. Toxicology results confirmed the presence of marijuana and methamphetamine.

“The suspect chose to operate a vehicle despite allegedly being under the influence,” a prosecutor told Fox 10 Phoenix. Witnesses claimed she drove over the 65 mph speed limit.

A grand jury in Maricopa County charged Rivera Estrada with manslaughter, endangerment, possession or use of dangerous drugs, and possession or use of drug paraphernalia. Manslaughter is classified as a Class Two Dangerous Felony.

Rivera Estrada was transferred from ICE custody to the Maricopa County Jail following her indictment with a set bond of $250,000.

Her indictment follows weeks after ICE confirmed that Rivera Estrada, a Mexican national, was initially released from local custody before federal authorities detained her on an immigration detainer.

Rivera Estrada entered the U.S. via Nogales, Arizona, in February 2009 and overstayed her nonimmigrant visa, violating federal immigration law. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell indicated a delay in filing charges due to the need for thorough investigation to ensure accurate prosecution.

“We have one chance to get this right,” Mitchell stated, emphasizing the importance of gathering sufficient evidence.

Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida of ICE affirmed that Rivera Estrada’s arrest underscored the significance of their efforts through the Criminal Alien Program. “The identification and arrest highlight public safety efforts,” Almeida commented.

Rivera Estrada remains detained pending further legal proceedings.