Driver charged in Vado crash that killed two children, injured teen

New Mexico State Police say alcohol was a factor in Sunday evening collision

Organ Mountain News report

VADO - A 33-year-old Mesilla Park woman is facing multiple charges after a single-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Vado killed two children and injured another, according to New Mexico State Police.

The crash happened about 6:50 p.m. Aug. 10 in the 8100 block of State Road 478. Police said Christina Escobedo Arriaga was driving a 2007 purple Dodge Charger southbound when it left the roadway, struck a light pole, a chain-link fence and a tree before stopping in the front yard of a residence.

Arriaga and three juveniles — two 15-year-olds and a 12-year-old — were in the car at the time. A 15-year-old passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment. The other two children were pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Police said the surviving passenger was wearing a seat belt, but the other occupants appeared not to have been properly restrained. Alcohol is considered a contributing factor.

Arriaga was treated at a Las Cruces hospital, then booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center. She is charged with:

• Two counts of homicide by vehicle (driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug)
• One count of great bodily harm by vehicle (driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug)
• Two counts of intentional abuse of a child resulting in death
• One count of abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm
• One count of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor

The crash remains under investigation.