Woman facing DUI charges after crash that killed man, child appears in court

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A woman accused of driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed a man and a child appeared in court virtually Friday.

The suspect, Sarah Carrillo Valdez, did not enter a plea, but her charges were read. They include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, child cruelty resulting in injury or death and other DUI-related charges.

The California Highway Patrol said Valdez was speeding on Highway 101 north near the 5th Street overpass when she lost control. The vehicle overturned and landed on its side.

Two children were in the back of the vehicle, 8 and 6-year-old boys. The 6-year-old, Liam, was not properly restrained, according to the CHP, and died of his injuries at a hospital. The 8-year-old, Dinan, had major injuries and was taken to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for treatment.

The front passenger in the vehicle, 31-year-old Samuel Bravo, was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.