An Oakdale woman is currently being held at the Stanislaus County Jail without bail, facing murder charges in the death of her four-year-old daughter in early March.
Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced on Friday, April 11 that Juliette Marie Acosta, 26, of Oakdale has been charged with murder and additional felony charges in connection with an incident the night of March 8.
Acosta’s daughter, Reagan Herrin, died when the car Acosta was driving went off the road and into an irrigation canal paralleling Canal Bank Road near Hickman on March 8.
Originally arrested and booked on felony DUI, Laugero said Acosta now faces felony charges including murder, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, permitting a child to suffer under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death as well as resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer, peace officer or emergency medical technician.
According to the criminal complaint, Acosta is alleged to have been driving with a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit of .08 percent when the fatal crash occurred.
“We recognize the significant interest the community has in this case,” said District Attorney Laguero. “However, our responsibility to both the victim and the integrity of our legal system requires a thorough investigation based on the evidence and the law. This methodical approach ensures that justice is pursued based on accurate information. I appreciate the public’s patience and understanding in protecting the process and ensuring our ethical obligations are met. Justice requires our absolute adherence to these standards.”
The charging document from the DA’s office alleges that Acosta left her partially submerged car while her daughter remained trapped inside, failing to render aid to her child, being located taking a bath while her daughter remained in peril at the crash scene, and causing the death of a vulnerable victim. If convicted on all charges, Acosta face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Laugero added that the charges “follow a meticulous investigation” conducted by the lead investigative agency, California Highway Patrol, working in collaboration with CHP’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, the DA’s Bureau of Investigation and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. The Stanislaus Sheriff’s Dive Team also provided “critical, specialized support” throughout the investigation, said Laugero, and the investigation remains open.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is asked to contact CHP Detective A. Norseen at 209-545-7440.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the California Highway Patrol and all assisting agencies for their dedication and professionalism throughout this investigation,” said Laugero. “These agencies, alongside our Bureau of Investigation, committed substantial resources to establish the facts surrounding Reagan’s death, enabling us to move forward with appropriate criminal charges.”
