Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, has been charged with two counts of murder after authorities say her SUV crossed into oncoming lanes and crashed into a Los Angeles Metro bus in Chatsworth, killing two people and injuring others. Prosecutors also allege that Rios was under the influence of drugs when the September 15 crash occurred.
The deadly collision happened shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Rios was driving a gray 2004 Ford Expedition southbound in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue when she allegedly ran a red light and collided with a Metro bus traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the formal charges against Rios on September 17. Prosecutors said she faces two counts of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving on a highway. If convicted as charged, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Quick Guide
- Defendant: Bailee Lynn Rios, 36
- Hometown: Simi Valley, California
- Crash location: Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth
- Crash date: September 15, 2026
- Vehicle: Gray 2004 Ford Expedition
- Victims: Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31
- Charges: Two counts of murder, DUI involving a drug causing injury and reckless driving
- Bail: Prosecutors requested $4.1 million
- Next court appearance: Rios is scheduled for arraignment September 18, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Who Is Bailee Lynn Rios?
Bailee Lynn Rios is a 36-year-old Simi Valley resident who was identified by police as the driver of the SUV involved in the fatal Chatsworth collision.
Rios was arrested following the crash and initially booked on suspicion of murder. The Los Angeles Police Department said she was injured in the collision and taken to a hospital before being taken into custody.
Public court records reviewed by ABC7 show that Rios previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug-possession charge in 2016. She faced another drug-possession case in 2022, but those charges were dismissed. She was convicted in that same 2022 case of driving with a suspended license.
More recent reporting has described additional details from Ventura County court records concerning Rios’ previous encounters with the criminal justice system. Those records should be distinguished from the allegations in the current case, which have not been proven in court.
What Happened in the Chatsworth Crash?
According to LAPD, Rios was allegedly driving southbound in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on September 15.
Police said the Expedition ran a red light at Nordhoff Street and nearly struck another vehicle before crashing into a Metro bus traveling through the intersection.
The force of the collision was severe. LAPD said one passenger was fully ejected from the bus while another was partially ejected. Debris from the crash also struck a blue 2024 Honda CR-V that was stopped at the intersection.
Two adult passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. LAPD said six people were transported to hospitals for medical treatment, including passengers who suffered serious or severe injuries.
Rios was also injured and was transported to a hospital before being booked into custody.
Prosecutors Say Rios Had Drugs in Her System
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Rios had drugs in her system at the time of the crash and that narcotics were found inside her vehicle.
Hochman did not identify the specific substances during his September 17 news conference. He said a complete chemical evaluation was still being conducted. ABC7 reported that sources familiar with the investigation said suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle, but the investigation and toxicology process remain important to determining the precise circumstances.
The District Attorney described the alleged driving behavior as involving high speed, wrong-way driving and a red-light violation. Prosecutors are using those allegations as part of the basis for the murder charges.
The charges remain allegations. Rios is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty in court.
What Charges Does Bailee Lynn Rios Face?
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Rios has been charged with:
- Two counts of murder
- One felony count of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury
- One misdemeanor count of reckless driving on a highway
The District Attorney’s Office said Rios could face life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted as charged.
The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, while the Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the crash.
Who Were the Victims?
The two people killed in the crash were identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31. ABC7 reported that Castillo’s family remembered him as a caring and joyful person, while Weida’s family described him as kind and selfless.
The collision has left the victims’ families and other people involved in the crash dealing with the aftermath of the deadly incident.
What Happens Next in the Case?
Rios was scheduled to appear in court on September 17, but she did not appear because of a reported medical issue. Her arraignment is expected to take place September 18 at the San Fernando courthouse, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors have requested that the court set bail at $4.1 million. Earlier police and media reports listed the bail amount at approximately $4 million or $4.03 million.
As the case moves forward, investigators and prosecutors will continue examining the crash, toxicology results and other evidence surrounding the collision.
The murder charges are allegations, and the case will ultimately be decided through the court process.