Injured suspect pleads not guilty in Chatsworth crash that killed five

Key points

• Rios pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, one felony DUI count, and one misdemeanor reckless driving count at San Fernando Superior Court.
• The September 15 crash involved Rios driving a Ford Expedition the wrong way and running a red light, striking a Metro bus and killing Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31.
• Approximately two hours after the bus crash, an NBC4 news helicopter crashed nearby, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and bystander Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
• Rios was transported to the courthouse on a gurney due to injuries sustained in the crash; her arraignment had been delayed multiple times for medical reasons.
• Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated the deaths were preventable and that Rios could face life in prison if convicted.
• Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are reviewing video evidence to determine the cause of the helicopter crash, with a preliminary report expected in 30 days.

Background

This case follows a series of earlier developments where Rios was charged in late September 2026 after authorities found narcotics in her vehicle. Previous court appearances were postponed due to her medical condition and reported withdrawal symptoms. The incident has been described as a dual tragedy in the San Fernando Valley, with community vigils held for the five victims.

How outlets are covering it

The California Post highlighted text messages sent by Rios hours before the crash, in which she expressed fear to a friend, and emphasized the DA's statement that the crash was preventable. ABC7 Los Angeles focused on the emotional reaction of the victims' families, noting that Castillo's family broke down in tears after hearing the not-guilty plea. NBC Los Angeles provided detailed background on the sequence of events, including the specific intersection and the fact that the SUV was traveling south in northbound lanes. CNN offered a comprehensive timeline of the two-hour span between the bus crash and the helicopter crash, quoting first responders and officials on the rarity of such consecutive tragedies. All sources agree on the core facts of the plea and the charges, but differ in emphasis: The California Post focuses on pre-crash behavior, ABC7 on family impact, NBC on procedural details, and CNN on the broader sequence of events.

Why it matters

The case underscores the severe consequences of impaired driving and the complex legal and investigative challenges arising from cascading tragedies. The potential life sentence for Rios and the ongoing NTSB investigation into the helicopter crash highlight the high stakes for both the criminal justice system and aviation safety. The emotional toll on the community and the victims' families, as well as the scrutiny of news helicopter safety, make this a significant local and national story.

What to watch

Rios is scheduled to appear in court on November 2 for a preliminary hearing. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report on the helicopter crash in approximately 30 days, with a final report potentially taking up to 18 months. The DA's office is waiting for the federal investigation to determine if additional charges related to the helicopter crash will be pursued against Rios.