Brenda Rivera Estrada, 30, has been indicted in a rollover crash that killed her 9-year-old daughter and injured her three other children. The crash occurred on April 12 on northbound Interstate 17 near Cactus Road in Phoenix. The daughter, who was sharing a seatbelt with another sibling, was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology results later revealed that Rivera Estrada tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine.
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Rivera Estrada on one count of manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, one count of possession or use of dangerous drugs, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. She had been taken into custody earlier by immigration authorities. Rivera Estrada entered the U.S. legally in 2009 but overstayed her authorized stay. Her three other children, aged 11, 3, and 1, survived the crash with minor injuries.
Authorities initially suspected impairment due to the smell of marijuana at the scene. Witnesses reported that Rivera Estrada was driving above the posted speed limit of 65 mph. The investigation is ongoing, with further details pending.