A California mother is facing murder charges after allegedly abandoning her 4-year-old daughter to die in a partially submerged SUV following a DUI crash—then being found taking a bath instead of helping her trapped child, authorities say.
Juliette Acosta, 26, was initially charged only with felony drunk driving after the March 8 crash near Hickman, California, but her charges were significantly upgraded following an investigation by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. She now faces:
- Murder
- Vehicular manslaughter
- DUI causing injury
- Permitting a child to suffer under dangerous circumstances
- Resisting arrest
Prosecutors say Acosta’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit, and that she fled the scene after crashing into an irrigation canal, leaving her daughter Reagan Herrin trapped inside the sinking vehicle. Authorities later found Acosta nearby, taking a bath, while her daughter remained in danger.
“This case has had a significant emotional impact on the family and community,” said District Attorney Jeff Laugero, who stressed that a thorough, evidence-based investigation was necessary before the charges were filed. Acosta was arrested in San Francisco last week after allegedly trying to evade law enforcement and has since been returned to Stanislaus County, where she is being held without bail. She could face life in prison if convicted on all counts.
A GoFundMe page set up for Reagan’s father, Gage Herrin, expressed the family’s heartbreak and gratitude for the outpouring of community support. Funds not used for expenses will be donated in Reagan’s memory to help prevent tragedies like this in the future.
