Winchester Man Convicted of 2nd Degree Murder After Head-On DUI Crash

Jury finds Willie Eddie Salazar guilty of murder, DUI resulting in great bodily injury

Feb. 25, 2026 at 11:39am

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A 27-year-old probationer from Wildomar, California was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges for causing a head-on crash while driving under the influence that killed a 32-year-old woman and seriously injured a man in Winchester in 2022.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of drunk driving and the legal consequences that can result, even years after an incident, when a DUI leads to a fatality. It also raises questions about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of probation and DUI education programs in preventing such incidents.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, on the night of April 29, 2022, Willie Eddie Salazar was driving his Honda Civic the wrong way - going westbound in the eastbound lanes of Domenigoni Parkway - when he crashed head-on into a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 31-year-old Hemet man, with 32-year-old Sahtarria Anderson of Menifee as the front passenger. Anderson died the following day from her injuries, while the driver of the Malibu suffered major injuries but ultimately recovered.

  • On April 29, 2022, the crash occurred.
  • In February 2022, Salazar had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI and was serving a 36-month probation term.
  • On February 19, 2026, a Murrieta jury convicted Salazar of second-degree murder, felony DUI, and DUI resulting in great bodily injury.
  • On April 3, 2026, Salazar is scheduled to be sentenced and is facing over 20 years in prison.

The players

Willie Eddie Salazar

A 27-year-old probationer from Wildomar, California who was convicted of second-degree murder, felony DUI, and DUI resulting in great bodily injury for causing a fatal head-on crash while driving under the influence in 2022.

Sahtarria Anderson

A 32-year-old woman from Menifee, California who was killed in the head-on crash caused by Salazar.

31-year-old Hemet man

The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu that was involved in the head-on crash with Salazar, who suffered major injuries but ultimately recovered.

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What they’re saying

“The Honda and Chevrolet were involved in a head-on crash.”

— Jason Montez, CHP Officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Salazar's sentencing on April 3, 2026, where he is facing over 20 years in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the severe legal consequences that can result from drunk driving, even years after an incident, and highlights the need for stronger enforcement and education to prevent such senseless loss of life on the roads.