A Napa woman is now facing murder charges in connection with a drunk-driving crash that claimed the lives of her two children earlier this year, according to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.
Yesica Barajas, 31, was initially arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following the March 16 collision. She was later charged with felony child abuse and vehicular manslaughter. However, during a recent court appearance, prosecutors upgraded the charges to murder.
Barajas has been ordered held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 12 for a preliminary hearing.
Crash details and legal developments:
- The fatal incident occurred on March 16, just before sunrise.
- Barajas was allegedly driving a Nissan Maxima southbound on Highway 29 with her two children — 10-year-old Damian Montanez and her infant daughter Aaliyah Montanez — in the back seat.
- The vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree along the southbound exit ramp to Imola Avenue.
- Both children were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Barajas was hospitalized following the crash and later booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections after her release.
- Napa County records indicate Barajas has a history of traffic violations, which reportedly influenced the DA’s decision to pursue murder charges.
Barajas’ upgraded charges mark a significant development in the case, as prosecutors argue that her actions exhibited a disregard for human life, justifying the second-degree murder allegations.
