PHOENIX (TNND) — A 30-year-old woman from Mexico was arrested following a rollover crash that resulted in the death of her 9-year-old daughter and injuries to three other children on April 12.
Authorities identified the suspect as Brenda Liliana Rivera-Estrada. She faces charges of manslaughter and child abuse but was initially released due to the Maricopa County Attorney's decision not to file charges pending further investigation, including a DUI analysis.
Witnesses reported that Rivera-Estrada was impaired during the incident when her daughter was ejected from the vehicle, along with a baby and two other children who sustained injuries. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rivera-Estrada was taken into custody following her release from local jurisdiction.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell clarified in a social media post that her office would not decline prosecution, emphasizing the need for additional evidence to ensure a strong case.
Rivera-Estrada had entered the U.S. in February 2009 as a non-immigrant border-crosser and has remained unlawfully since her authorization expired. She is currently in ICE custody awaiting immigration proceedings.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash.