SUV Driver Arrested on Murder Charges After Fatal Chatsworth Bus Collision

Key points

• LAPD arrested 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios on suspicion of murder for the Tuesday afternoon collision.
• The crash killed 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida, while injuring six others, including the driver.
• Police suspect Rios was driving the wrong way, ran a red light, and may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Rios is being held on a $4 million bond while the case is reviewed by county prosecutors.
• The incident occurred near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in the San Fernando Valley.

Background

This incident is part of a tragic sequence of events in Chatsworth on September 15, 2026. Earlier coverage noted that the bus crash was followed shortly by the fatal crash of an NBC news helicopter, bringing the total death toll for the day to five. The bus collision itself involved a 2004 Ford Expedition that ended up partially lodged inside the Metro Line 166 bus.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Los Angeles and the New York Post both confirm the arrest of Bailee Lynn Rios and the murder suspicion. While NBC focuses on the specific traffic violations, including wrong-way driving and the red light, the New York Post highlights the emotional impact, noting that one victim, Gage Weida, was in a long-term relationship. Both outlets agree on the $4 million bond amount and the involvement of the LAPD, though the New York Post provides more detail on the subsequent helicopter crash that occurred nearby.

Why it matters

The arrest signals a shift from a traffic accident investigation to a criminal homicide case. The combination of reckless driving, potential DUI, and fatal outcomes has drawn significant public attention and official condolences from local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom.

What to watch

County prosecutors will review the case to determine formal criminal charges. The National Transportation Safety Board is separately investigating the related helicopter crash, while the LAPD continues to support the Chatsworth community in the aftermath of the dual tragedies.