LOS BANOS (KMJ) — Footage appearing to show a fatal rollover north of Los Banos is now being circulated online.
CHP alleges that 18 year old Obduila Sanchez was behind the wheel, and alcohol is believed to be a factor. But following the incident Friday evening, a video apparently displaying the moments before, during, and after, the crash has now surfaced.
“The social media video is something we have placed as evidence in this, and we will be making it available for the District Attorney to use in the trial,” reveals CHP Officer Wyatt Foster.
“The validity of the video is still being determined.”
The incident took place at around 7pm, on Henry Miller Road east of Highway 165. Those on scene state that two unidentified and unrestrained 14 year old girls were passengers inside the car; one has been pronounced dead and the other suffered major injuries.
“Obduila Sanchez allowed the Buick to travel off the north-edge, so that would be the right edge, of the roadway of Henry Miller Road” details Officer Foster.
“Ms. Sanchez then over-corrected to the left by turning the wheel sharply to the left causing the Buick to travel across both lanes of Henry Miller Road and off the south edge…striking a barbed wire fence, knocking it down, then overturning.”
Sanchez has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter. She was later taken to Merced County Jail. The footage of the crash has been widely shared.
“Anything that’s part of an investigation, it would be not-advised to disseminate that,” adds Officer Foster. “It can lead to false conclusions and reaching a conclusion before all the evidence has been presented.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
