8-Year-Old Girl Killed, Woman Arrested after Auto Collision near Anza Road

TEMECULA, CA (July 29, 2022) – Sunday night, Jessica Nieto was arrested after a DUI crash on State Route 79 that killed a young girl.

Police responded to the scene around 6:20 p.m., near Anza Road on July 24th.

According to reports, Nieto was driving a westbound 2011 Honda Pilot and veered off the right shoulder.

The Honda then lost control and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with an oncoming 2011 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Benjamin Mauldin.

The collision killed Nieto’s passenger, identified as an 8-year-old girl. Meanwhile, medics transported two other children from the Honda, a 12-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl, to Riverside County Regional Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.

Mauldin, a 43-year-old female passenger, and a 12-year-old girl from the Chevrolet were hospitalized with minor to major injuries. Nieto was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Officials eventually charged 33-year-old Jessica Nieto on suspicion of DUI, child endangerment, and gross vehicular manslaughter.

No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. The team at Sweet James offers their deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the victims.

It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, they know what it takes to help you win your case. Their team understands that nothing can alleviate the emotional pain of a death of a loved one, but they can help you seek justice and compensation. Call their office at (800) 975-3435 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach them 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat. Click here to request a police report.

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