HICKMAN, CA – A California mother now faces a murder charge after allegedly abandoning her 4-year-old daughter in a submerged SUV following a DUI incident that ended tragically, prosecutors revealed.

Initially charged with felony drunk driving, 26-year-old Juliette Acosta’s charges have been heightened following the death of her daughter, Reagan Herrin. The incident occurred on the night of March 8, near Hickman, when the SUV plunged into an irrigation canal.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced the upgraded charges, which now include murder and vehicular manslaughter, in addition to driving under the influence, causing injury and other felonies.

Legal files indicate that Acosta’s blood alcohol content was reportedly nearly three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Prosecutors allege she abandoned the scene, leaving her child trapped in the vehicle while she went to take a bath. The aggravated circumstances aim to highlight her alleged failure to assist her daughter, leading to the child’s death.

District Attorney Laugero emphasized the weight of the tragedy on both the local community and the victim’s family. “The incident has deeply affected those close to Reagan,” Laugero stated. He further stressed the importance of a thorough and evidence-based investigation to uphold the integrity of the legal proceedings.

Following the crash, a GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to support Gage Herrin, Reagan’s father. The fundraiser witnessed overwhelming community support, and contributions beyond the immediate needs are promised to be redirected towards local causes, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

Authorities apprehended Acosta in San Francisco after she reportedly tried to escape arrest. She was subsequently escorted back to Stanislaus County. Facing a maximum life sentence if convicted, Acosta remains in custody without the option for bail.

As the case unfolds, community members and legal entities alike await justice for young Reagan. The proceedings underscore the severe implications of impaired driving and the relentless pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable.