Two individuals have been charged with murder in relation to a tragic car crash in California that resulted in the deaths of four young people last July. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally announced the charges against 24-year-old Angelo Rodriguez, a former California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer, and 27-year-old Iris Salmeron on March 16.
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The incident, which occurred on the 605 Freeway around 1 a.m. on July 20, 2025, marks a harrowing chapter for the families of the victims. Both individuals face four counts of murder for their alleged roles in the fatal collision. Salmeron has also been charged with additional offences, including driving under the influence and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 per cent.
Reports indicate that Rodriguez, who is now no longer associated with the CHP, was driving at speeds exceeding 130 mph when he struck a vehicle carrying four individuals. Accounts from the authorities claim that he failed to activate any emergency lights or sirens during the incident. Following the collision, Rodriguez allegedly pulled over to the emergency lane and remained there for about three minutes before disconnecting from the scene without reporting his involvement in the crash to emergency services.
While Rodriguez left the scene, the vehicle he hit was left immobilised on the freeway. Shortly after, Salmeron, exceeding speeds of 100 mph, collided with the disabled car, igniting a fiery explosion that tragically killed the four occupants: Juliana Hamori, 23, Armand Del Campo, 24, Jordan Partridge, 23, and Samantha Skocilic, 22. The severity of the crash also resulted in critical injuries for Salmeron and a passenger in her vehicle, both of whom were transported to hospital for treatment.
Kathy Stickel, Hamori’s aunt, expressed the harrowing nature of the event, sharing that in the moments following the initial collision, Partridge managed to call his mother, only for the line to go dead mid-conversation. This detail adds a poignant layer to the already devastating aftermath for the victims’ families.
In light of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by Stickel and Ashley Boyd, Partridge’s aunt, aimed at assisting families in memorialising their loved ones. So far, the fundraiser has successfully raised over £30,000, reflecting the community’s grief and support in light of these events.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the collision as a preventable tragedy, emphasising that the actions of both defendants led to profound suffering for the families affected. “These two defendants are now inextricably linked because they consciously chose to disregard human life over responsibility,” he stated, highlighting the long-lasting ramifications of the incident.
If found guilty, both Salmeron and Rodriguez could face life imprisonment. Prosecutors have requested an $8 million bail, which has been set at $4 million for each individual, according to reports. Their arraignment is scheduled for March 17, where further legal proceedings will begin.
The case continues to unfold, casting a spotlight on the consequences of reckless driving and the impact on families and communities left to navigate the grief that such devastating actions can cause. As more details emerge, the tragic loss of four promising young lives remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability on the roads.