A tragic incident in Napa, California, has left a family devastated after a Car Driven By Their Mother Crashed Into A Tree, killing her two young children. The heartbreaking accident occurred on the morning of March 16, when 31-year-old Yesica Barajas was driving her 2006 Nissan with her children on board.
The car veered off the Highway 29 exit ramp at Imola Avenue and slammed into a tree at the bottom of an embankment. The impact of the crash was fatal for the two children, identified as 10-year-old Damien Montanez and nine-year-old Aaliyah Montanez.
The Napa County District Attorney has charged Barajas with multiple felonies, including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence resulting in injury.
She is also facing additional charges of child abuse, as prosecutors claim she was in a position of trust when the accident occurred. Authorities allege that Barajas was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash, raising serious concerns about impaired driving and its devastating consequences.
Investigation And Legal Charges
Following the tragic crash, law enforcement officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Barajas suffering from major injuries. Her two children, however, did not survive the accident.
Investigators quickly launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with toxicology tests revealing that Barajas had allegedly been intoxicated while driving.
The Napa County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Barajas with felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI resulting in injury, and child abuse.
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Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the case, noting that her crimes carry an “increased level of seriousness” due to several aggravating factors. These factors include her position of trust as a mother, the vulnerability of the victims, and the “great bodily injury” they sustained.
Napa mother charged with DUI after crashing car into tree, killing her 2 children, CHP says pic.twitter.com/RIxASVWhVN
— Brett Murphy (@brettmurphyx) March 17, 2025
Barajas, who is still recovering from her injuries, has been administratively booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections. Once she is medically cleared, she will be transferred into custody. Judge Elia Ortiz has set her bail at $1.5 million, a figure that will be reviewed during her next court appearance on March 21.
Community Reaction And Support For The Family
The deaths of Damien and Aaliyah have left the Napa community in shock, with many expressing their grief and support for the grieving Montanez-Rincon family. A GoFundMe page was created to help cover funeral expenses for the children, and as of Wednesday, nearly $50,000 had been raised.
The fundraising page described Damien and Aaliyah as “sweet, loving, full-of-life kids” who will be deeply missed. The message also highlighted their love for outdoor activities, particularly camping trips with their grandparents in Lake Tahoe.
The tragic nature of this case has reignited discussions about the dangers of impaired driving and its devastating consequences. Many in the community are calling for stricter enforcement of DUI laws and more resources for families struggling with substance abuse.
Advocates have also pointed to the need for better education and awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Local authorities have used this case as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.
Napa County officials have urged residents to make responsible choices and to seek help if they are struggling with substance use. Law enforcement agencies have also reinforced their commitment to cracking down on DUI offenders to protect innocent lives on the road.
Legal Proceedings And The Road Ahead
As Barajas prepares for her upcoming court appearances, legal experts predict that she could face significant prison time if convicted on all charges. The severity of the allegations against her, combined with the tragic loss of two young lives, means that the prosecution is likely to seek the maximum possible sentence.
Under California law, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated carries a potential sentence of up to ten years per count. The additional charges of DUI resulting in injury and child abuse could add even more time to her sentence if she is found guilty.
Given the high-profile nature of the case and the emotional impact it has had on the community, it is expected that the legal proceedings will be closely followed. Meanwhile, the Montanez-Rincon family continues to mourn the loss of Damien and Aaliyah.
As they navigate this unimaginable tragedy, they have found solace in the support of friends, neighbors, and strangers who have come together to offer condolences and financial assistance. Their hope is that justice will be served, and that their loss will serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
This devastating case serves as a painful reminder of the lasting consequences of reckless decisions. While no punishment can undo the loss of two innocent lives, the legal system will now determine the fate of the mother whose actions led to this tragic accident. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, not only by the family but by the entire Napa community.