Court orders GPS and alcohol monitoring as Christina Escobedo Arriaga faces vehicular homicide charges

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A Doña Ana County magistrate judge has released Christina Escobedo Arriaga, 33, on personal recognizance with strict supervision after an Aug. 10 crash in the 8100 block of State Road 478 in Vado killed two of her passengers — a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old — and injured a third teen, according to court records. New Mexico State Police confirmed the 12-year-old was Arriaga’s daughter.

Arriaga is charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, one count of great bodily harm by vehicle while driving under the influence, and misdemeanor DWI, the criminal complaint shows.

The complaint and related reports say troopers were dispatched about 6:49 p.m. and found a purple 2007 Dodge Charger that had struck a utility pole. Investigators noted an open 40-ounce beer inside the car and a strong odor of alcohol coming from Arriaga. Court documents state she told EMS and later an officer that she had been drinking earlier in the day and that she was driving. Field sobriety tests weren’t conducted because of her injuries. A judge approved a blood-draw warrant at 8:13 p.m., and a sample was collected at 8:42 p.m. Results were not included in the filing.

Under the amended order setting conditions of release, Arriaga must:

• Wear GPS and continuous alcohol monitoring and report to pretrial services
• Not consume alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs
• Not return to the crash location
• Remain in Doña Ana County unless the court approves travel
• Live at a verified address in Mesilla Park
• Follow all laws and appear for all hearings

The notice of revocation issued the night of the arrest warns her driving privileges will be revoked under the state’s implied consent law after she refused a chemical test, unless she requests a hearing.