A tragic incident in Napa County has led to serious charges for a local mother. Yesica Barajas, 31, stands accused of causing a DUI-related collision that resulted in the death of her two children. The Napa County District Attorney, Allison Haley, has filed multiple felony charges against Barajas, including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence and child abuse linked to Sunday's event.
Barajas, who herself is recovering from injuries sustained in the crash, is now facing the legal consequences of her actions. The DA's office has disclosed that Barajas will confront allegations that her crimes were severe felonies, entailing great bodily injury and injury to more than one victim, particularly vulnerable ones, due to their age and her role as a caregiver. On top of this, the charges also reflect an escalation from Barajas' past offenses. Despite her current hospitalization, Barajas has been administratively booked, with a transfer to jail pending once medical clearance is granted.
According to the official press release from the Napa County District Attorney's Office, Deputy District Attorney Katie Susemihl is leading the prosecution. During a recent court appearance, Susemihl requested that the court set bail at $2 million. Judge Elia Ortiz, however, settled on a slightly lower figure, provisionally setting Barajas' bail at $1.5 million, a decision set for review in the next court session.
Legal proceedings are moving forward, with the presiding judge assigning a public defender to represent the accused mother. Barajas is scheduled to reappear before the court on March 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 1 of the Napa County Superior Court, as stated in the release. Meanwhile, specifics about the incident remain under wraps, and the DA's office has indicated that further details are not available for public dissemination.
