Ex-CHP Officer and DUI Suspect Charged with Murder After Deadly Crash

Four young people were killed in the 'horrific' incident on a California freeway last summer

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former California Highway Patrol officer and a suspected drunk driver have been charged with murder in connection with a deadly crash that killed four people last July. Authorities say the ex-CHP officer was driving over 130 mph without lights or sirens when he struck a car, leaving it disabled. The drunk driver then allegedly plowed into the disabled vehicle at over 100 mph, causing a fiery explosion that killed the four occupants.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has devastated multiple families and raised questions about public safety, law enforcement accountability, and the need for stricter DUI enforcement on California's roads.

The details

According to prosecutors, the former CHP officer, Angelo Rodriguez, was driving at an extremely high rate of speed without using his emergency lights or sirens when he struck a car carrying four young people. The other vehicle was left disabled on the freeway, at which point the suspected drunk driver, Iris Salmeron, allegedly crashed into it at over 100 mph, causing a deadly explosion. Salmeron and a passenger in her car were severely injured.

  • The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on July 20, 2025 on the 605 Freeway.
  • Rodriguez allegedly waited about 3 minutes before exiting the freeway and calling dispatch, without mentioning his involvement.
  • Arraignment for Rodriguez and Salmeron is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Angelo Rodriguez

A former California Highway Patrol officer who has been charged with four counts of murder for his alleged role in the deadly crash.

Iris Salmeron

A 27-year-old suspect who has been charged with four counts of murder and additional DUI-related charges for allegedly crashing into the disabled vehicle at over 100 mph.

Juliana Hamori

A 23-year-old victim who was killed in the crash.

Armand Del Campo

A 24-year-old victim who was killed in the crash and was the boyfriend of Juliana Hamori.

Jordan Partridge

A 23-year-old victim who was killed in the crash.

Samantha Skocilic

A 22-year-old victim who was killed in the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This horrific tragedy could have been avoided...These two defendants are now inextricably linked because they consciously chose to disregard human life over responsibility, leaving four families grieving and irreparably changing the lives of everyone affected by one night of unimaginable trauma.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (people.com)

“And in the middle of a sentence, the line went dead.”

— Kathy Stickel, Aunt of victim Juliana Hamori (KTLA)

What’s next

Prosecutors had recommended bail be set at $8 million, but as of Monday, each defendant was being held on $4 million bail. Arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences that can result from a combination of reckless driving and drunk driving. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties to deter such behavior and protect innocent lives on California's roads.