South Valley woman facing murder charges for DUI crash that killed girl and grandmother

Tuesday, April 12, 2016
South Valley woman facing murder charges for DUI crash that killed girl and grandmother
An Exeter woman has been re-arrested and charged with murder in the deaths of a 10-year-old and her 69-year-old grandmother.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An Exeter woman has been re-arrested and charged with murder in the deaths of a 10-year-old and her 69-year-old grandmother.

Members of the Espinosa family showed up for Wyllie's arraignment Monday. Showing support for 10-year-old Jamie Espinosa and her grandmother, Angelita. Both died the night of March 26th when police said 25-year-old Cheyenne Wyllie plowed into their Honda Pilot after blowing a stop sign near Tulare. The family was driving from Yosemite to Porterville.

Two weeks later, the Tulare County District Attorney's office announced murder charges for Wyllie.

"We received police reports from the California Highway Patrol on Friday. We reviewed the reports, and based on the review of the reports, we filed charges, two counts of murder and two counts of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury," said David Alavezos, Tulare County Assistant District Attorney.

Wyllie originally bailed out of jail after the crash, but she's now being held without bail with another court date set for next Tuesday.

The assistant district attorney said the 25-year-old has no adult criminal record. Her attorney said she's a mature young lady and doing fine.

"Family is trying to cope. It's a very difficult situation for everybody involved," said Richard Rumery, Defense Attorney.

Prosecutors will have to prove murder, and if she's convicted, Wyllie could serve 37 years to life in prison.

"With knowledge that you are putting yourself and the entire public at risk, you willfully choose to in fact do that dangerous act that could put everybody at risk. Knowing the risk that is out there, and as a result of your deliberate choice to act, you kill somebody," said Alavezos.

Family members said George Espinosa, Angelita's son and Jamie's father, is still in critical condition at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. On Facebook, Charolotte Espinosa continues to post updates, staying positive and praying that her husband recovers.

Wyllie will be back in court next Tuesday for a preliminary hearing setting and bail hearing, but again, she is still being held without bail for the moment.