Bay Area woman charged with murder for Hwy. 101 crash that killed her mother

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A 41-year-old woman from Novato, California has been charged with murder and gross vehicular manslaughter with intoxication after a crash on Highway 101 that killed her mother. Kenia Marcela Alegria had her initial court appearance in Sonoma County Superior Court on Thursday and is also facing charges for a second intoxicated driving offense.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the legal system's efforts to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions, even when the victim is a family member. The charges of murder and manslaughter reflect the severity of the incident and the state's commitment to public safety on its roadways.

The details

According to authorities, Alegria was driving under the influence when she crashed her vehicle on Highway 101, resulting in the death of her mother who was a passenger in the car. Alegria has been charged with both murder and gross vehicular manslaughter with intoxication, as well as an additional charge for a prior DUI offense.

• The crash occurred on Highway 101 in Novato, California.
• Alegria had her initial court appearance in Sonoma County Superior Court on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

What’s next

Alegria's case will proceed through the Sonoma County Superior Court system, where a judge will determine whether to allow her to be released on bail.