Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced on May 25 that Brenda Rivera Estrada has been indicted for a rollover crash that resulted in the death of her 9-year-old daughter.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Rivera Estrada crashed her SUV on April 12 while traveling northbound on I-17 near Cactus Road. Her daughter was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result. Three other children were also in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries. Department of Public Safety Troopers suspected Rivera Estrada had used marijuana, but initial blood work and collision analysis results were not immediately available.
The case was initially continued to gather additional evidence needed to file charges. Over a month later, toxicology results indicated that Rivera Estrada tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamine.
A grand jury subsequently 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 or use of drug paraphernalia. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was transported from ICE custody to Maricopa County Jail with bond set at $250,000 cash.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office clarified that misinformation circulated online claiming their office had declined charges was incorrect, stating: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
