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LOS ANGELES () — The suspect arrested in Tuesday’s deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth was scheduled to make her first appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court in San Fernando Friday. She was wheeled there on a gurney to face murder charges, but never appeared in court.
Bailee Lynn Rios, the suspect arrested in the deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth, was wheeled to court on a gurney to face murder charges on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, of Simi Valley, was supposed to appear in court yesterday but missed the hearing for medical reasons, then again Friday morning before eventually getting transported to court. She has been charged with second degree murder, DUI, and reckless driving.
New video shows Rios moments after the crash with blood on her face as she sits in her smashed SUV. Bloody and in shock, the 36-year-old looks at the damage finding herself stuck in the driver’s seat so severely that firefighters had to cut her out.
The extend of her injuries is still unclear.
Prosecutors say Rios was speeding and high on drugs when she plowed into the bus, killing two people. Five others were also hurt, two critically.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges against Rios during a news conference on Thursday.
“We will hold Ms. Rios fully accountable for her actions. She didn’t have to blow through the red light at full force and that was a choice by her,” said Hochman. “To do what she did, and that choice, has resulted in deadly, destructive consequences.”
She was booked on Wednesday morning with bail set at $4.03 million. Hochman said he is not aware of any request to lower that amount.
An NBC4 helicopter crew reporting on the bus collision crashed just blocks away that night. Hochman referenced the deadly helicopter crash and spoke about possible charges that could be considered once the federal investigation is concluded.
Court records show Rios has a history of legal trouble, including prior drug offenses and driving on a suspended license.
If convicted, Rios faces up to life in prison.
A mourning community united by a tragedy that ripped through Chatsworth is coming together to pay tribute to those killed in the tragic chain of events that unfolded on Tuesday.
Hundreds of people gathered Thursday at St. John Eudes Church in Chatsworth for a community vigil to honor the lives of all five victims killed in both the Metro bus crash and the helicopter crash.
“It’s just such a tragedy and I just want the families to know that the entire city grieves with them,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass at the vigil.
Anyone with information about the bus crash is asked to contact LAPD Officer Reyes at (818) 644-8114 or Officer Lozon at (818) 644-8117, or the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8114. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877) 527-3247.
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