An alleged drunk driver accused of causing a deadly, fiery crash that involved a California Highway Patrol officer appeared emotional during a court hearing on Tuesday. The incident reportedly resulted in four fatalities.
During her arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court, Iris Salmeron appeared distraught, bowing her head and closing her eyes. She faces charges for her involvement in the tragic accident that occurred on the 605 Freeway in Downey in July.
Salmeron is charged with four counts of murder and four felony counts of driving under the influence after allegedly crashing into a disabled vehicle at a speed of 110 mph.
California Highway Patrol officer Angelo Rodriguez, also facing four counts of murder for his role in the crash, remained expressionless during the court proceedings.
According to prosecutors, Rodriguez was driving his patrol vehicle at 130 mph without lights or sirens when he collided with a Nissan carrying Julianna Hamori, Armand DelCampo, Jordan Partridge, and Samantha Skocilic.Â
Prosecutors allege that Rodriguez left the disabled Nissan in the southbound HOV lane to report an accident without disclosing his involvement.
After Rodriguez left the scene, Salmeron allegedly crashed into the stationary Nissan, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants, who were local residents in their 20s. Graphic footage captured the Nissan engulfed in flames.
Hamori and Delcampo were engaged and preparing for their wedding, with Hamori having chosen her wedding dress, according to her aunt.
Salmeron and Rodriguez both face potential life sentences in prison. They are scheduled to return to court on April 27 for a continuation of their arraignment, where they are expected to enter pleas.
During a press conference announcing the charges, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that there was no information on whether Rodriguez was impaired at the time of the crash.
“These cases are some of the hardest cases I have to talk about,” the DA commented.
Bail has been set at $8 million for Rodriguez and $8.1 million for Salmeron.
