Suspect in Chatsworth bus crash misses court; experts analyze helicopter crash audio
Bailee Rios, the suspect in the fatal Chatsworth Metro bus crash, missed a scheduled court appearance due to a medical issue and is expected to appear Friday. Meanwhile, aviation experts analyzing the NBC4 helicopter crash that killed three people nearby suggest a mechanical failure occurred during a low-altitude hover, a maneuver experts describe as particularly dangerous for single-engine aircraft.
Key points
- Bailee Rios, 36, was declared a 'medical miss-out' for her Thursday court appearance in San Fernando and is expected to appear Friday.
- Rios faces two counts of murder for allegedly driving a gray Ford Expedition into a Metro bus, killing Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31.
- Her bail was set at $4.03 million; she has prior convictions for drug possession and driving with a suspended license.
- The crash occurred Tuesday evening when Rios allegedly ran a red light and hit the side of the bus, ejecting two passengers.
- Six other people were injured in the bus crash, with one suffering serious injuries.
- A community vigil for the five victims of both the bus and helicopter crashes is scheduled for Thursday evening at St. John Eudes Church.
Background
The Chatsworth incidents occurred on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Earlier reports confirmed two deaths at the bus scene and three at the nearby helicopter crash site. The bus crash involved a Metro Line 166 bus, while the helicopter crash involved an NBC4 news chopper covering the bus incident. The victims of the bus crash were identified as Daniel Castillo and Gage Weida. The helicopter crash killed reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a bystander, Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
How outlets are covering it
ABC7 Los Angeles focuses on the legal proceedings regarding Bailee Rios, noting her missed court date and the upcoming press conference by LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. The outlet emphasizes the criminal charges and the suspect's prior record. In contrast, the Los Angeles Times focuses on the technical aspects of the NBC4 helicopter crash, citing aviation experts who analyze the audio recording and the specific flight conditions. The Times highlights the mechanical reliability of the AS350 B2 helicopter but notes that hovering at low altitude creates a dangerous situation for single-engine aircraft, a perspective not covered by ABC7. Both outlets agree on the fatality counts and the timing of the events but diverge in their primary focus: criminal accountability versus aviation safety analysis.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of traffic violations in high-traffic areas and the risks associated with news helicopter operations during breaking news events. The missed court date may delay legal proceedings, while the NTSB investigation into the helicopter crash could lead to changes in safety protocols for news aviation. The dual tragedies have prompted community vigils and increased scrutiny of both road safety and aviation practices in Los Angeles.
What to watch
Bailee Rios is expected to appear in court on Friday, September 18. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Thursday to provide updates on the bus crash. NTSB investigators will continue analyzing the helicopter crash audio and data to determine the cause. A community vigil is planned for Thursday evening to honor the five victims.
- Bailee Rios, suspect in deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth, misses court date; LA DA to provide update ABC7 Los Angeles
- Court date postponed for driver who slammed into L.A. Metro bus, killing 2 KTLA
- Los Angeles, California crash news: District attorney, police expected to speak Thursday after deadly bus, helicopter crashes ABC7 Bay Area
- NBC4 chopper’s final moments: A blaring alarm, loss of altitude and panic. Why did it crash? Los Angeles Times
- ABC7's Chris Cristi remembers reporter, pilot killed in NBC4 helicopter crash ABC7 Los Angeles
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on ABC7 Los Angeles