Simi Valley Woman Charged in Deadly Chatsworth Collision

Two people died in the initial crash, while three others were killed when a news helicopter covering the scene went down nearby.

Jenn Rodriguez

Sep 23, 2026

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A Simi Valley woman is facing murder and DUI-related charges following a Sept. 15 collision in Chatsworth that killed two people and injured several others.

According to Los Angeles police and prosecutors, 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios was driving a Ford Expedition the wrong way on De Soto Avenue when the SUV allegedly ran a red light and collided with a Metro Line 166 bus at Nordhoff Street.

Two people were killed in the bus crash and at least five others were injured.

The tragedy deepened later that evening when a news helicopter covering the collision crashed nearby. Journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia were killed.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Sept. 17 that Rios had been charged with two counts of murder, felony driving under the influence of a drug causing injury, and misdemeanor reckless driving.

Her arraignment was postponed after her attorneys said she was unable to participate in the proceeding.

The circumstances surrounding both crashes remain under investigation. The criminal charges are allegations, and Rios is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.