8-Year-Old Girl Killed, Jessica Nieto Arrested in DUI Accident on Highway 79 [Temecula, CA]

Police Arrest Jessica Nieto for DUI after Crash in Temecula Killing Her Child

 
TEMECULA, CA (July 26, 2022) – An 8-year-old girl died and police arrested Jessica Nieto after a DUI crash in Temecula on Sunday, July 24.
 
The crash happened around 6:20 p.m. on Highway 79 at Anza Road. Nieto, a 33-year-old Temecula resident, was driving a 2011 Honda Pilot west on the two-lane highway when she drifted to the right and into the dirt shoulder.
 
Nieto attempted to pull the SUV back onto the roadway but over-corrected, sending the vehicle into the opposing lane. The Pilot then collided with an eastbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.
 
Nieto’s 8-year-old child, who was one of the passengers in the Pilot, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
 
A 12-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl in the Pilot suffered major injuries and were taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Nieto was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center with major injuries.
 
Three Thermal residents in the Silverado were also injured and taken to Inland Valley Medical Center. The driver, 46-year-old Benjamin Mauldin, and a 43-year-old woman suffered major injuries while a 12-year-old girl sustained minor injuries.
 
Police later arrested Nieto on suspicion of felony DUI, child endangerment and gross vehicular manslaughter.
 
The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the fatal crash.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Speak with our litigators at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim if you have lost a loved one in a DUI crash. Our dedicated wrongful death lawyers will work with you through every stage of the legal process. Our goal involves getting you full and fair compensation and holding the at-fault party accountable. While you focus on things that matter, we will handle the rest. Call (800) 895-7199 to schedule a free consultation. You can also request a copy of the police report from this accident.