(Perris, California) On Monday, August 24th, Silvia Corona pleaded not guilty for second degree murder and four counts of DUI that resulted in the bodily injury of a vehicle crash that killed an 8-year-old girl and injured five others.
On August 15th, Silvia Corona was allegedly driving under the influence near E Rider Street and Romana Express Way causing a two-vehicle crash, killing Camila Leon and injuring five others. When deputies made it to the scene, they found one of the vehicles on fire.
Sheriff’s-bail setting affidavit confirmed at 5:15 p.m., Corona was driving a 2017 Lexus RX50 and was going southbound on the Romana Expressway at an unsafe speed. This left her no option to stop when the traffic light at Expressway and Rider Street changed to a red light.
According to the declaration, Corona did not attempt to stop before the collision and was traveling at a high speed. She stopped 326 feet away after causing the crash while driving out of control. Her blood alcohol level was at 0.28% which is three times the legal limit of 0.08% in driving a vehicle.
Analysis on Second Degree Murder and Four Counts of DUI:
Investigators may have reviewed California Code, VEH 23152 to understand what a suspect that can potentially be charged with a DUI, violated. This section discusses the illegal percentage of blood in alcohol to drive. Investigators may have also reviewed California Code, PEN 189 to discuss what Silvia Corona would be charged with in regards to second degree murder.
Before she pleaded not guilty for four counts of DUI, investigators may have reviewed 23152 (a). This law discusses that no matter what alcoholic beverage you are under the influence of while driving, it is still unlawful under that condition. They may have also reviewed (B) of this code. This law states that it is unlawful to drive with an 0.08% BAC, by weight, of alcohol in blood.
When it comes to Corona’s second-degree murder charge, investigators most likely reviewed 189 (a). This law discusses some of the followings that are considered a first-degree murder which is carjacking, robbery, mayhem, discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle voluntarily to another person to inflict death would be considered murder of first degree as well as more listed in this section. Anything else that is not listed in this code is considered a second-degree murder (b). This specific code may have helped investigators determine potential violations before she pleaded not guilty in four counts of DUI and second degree murder.
Advice for the Family
If you have lost a loved one in this incident, staying in contact with the Sheriff’s-bail setting affidavit can help you receive more information from the investigation. You can request official reports when they become available to better understand the circumstances.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional experienced in car accident cases. They can help explain your options and guide you through next steps. In addition, seeking support from family, friends, or grief counseling services can provide comfort during this difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
