LA Bus Crash Driver Charged with Murder After Deadly Incident & Helicopter Tragedy

Los Angeles is reeling from a tragic series of events as an SUV driver, Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, has been charged with murder following a devastating bus crash that claimed two lives. The incident, where Rios allegedly drove under the influence of drugs, was then compounded by a news helicopter covering the scene plummeting to the ground, killing three more people.

Prosecutors allege that on Tuesday, Rios was speeding, driving her 2004 Ford Expedition the wrong way down a busy avenue, striking another vehicle, running a red light, and ultimately slamming into a city bus. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed Thursday that Rios was under the influence of drugs at the time.

She faces two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of bus passengers Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31.

Rios is currently held on $4.1 million bail and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

The tragedy deepened significantly when a news helicopter, dispatched to cover the initial bus crash, subsequently crashed itself.

Pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno, both working for Angel City Air and providing coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52, were killed. Edy Gutierrez Mejia, a bystander on the ground, also lost his life.

The helicopter crash resulted in at least four cars and two storage containers catching fire.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are actively probing both incidents. Crucial evidence from the helicopter crash includes video footage from the aircraft that captured an alarm sounding in the cockpit as the helicopter rapidly lost altitude. A woman's voice can be heard saying, "Uh oh," and moments later, "You can't pull up?" before the footage ends.

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti suggests the alarm could indicate a loss of engine power and a dangerous drop in the main rotor speed, with the pilot possibly attempting an emergency maneuver.

Family members of the victims are mourning profound losses. Johaunna Castillo, daughter of Daniel Castillo, shared that her father was on his daily bus ride home from work when the crash occurred.

She described him as a hardworking and lively man who brought immense joy to people's lives.

Hundreds gathered in Los Angeles' Chatsworth neighborhood for a candlelight vigil Thursday night, honoring the five lives lost. Rios's mother, Cindy Rios, expressed shock and sadness, stating she had not spoken to her daughter since the arrest.

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